HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 23924: AGREEMENT WITH DIGITAL WORKFORCE ACADEMHY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EPA ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMUNITY CHANGE GRANTS APPLICATION /
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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Date: September 13, 2024
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
Through: Ronald Burton CPM, City Manager
From: Calvin Matthews,P.E., Water Utilities Director
RE: PR No. 23924—Pre-Partnership Agreement with Digital Workforce Academy to
Participate in the EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change
Grants Application
Introduction:
This agenda item seeks the Council's approval to execute partnership agreements with Digital
Workforce Academy,operating as Golden Triangle Empowerment Center at 617 Proctor Street,
Port Arthur, Texas, in order to meet the two grant application requirements for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental and Climate Justice Community
Change Grants Program.
Background:
The City is eligible to apply for grant funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(US EPA), Office of Environmental Justice, and External Civil Rights (OEJECR) -
Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program funding opportunity
(Exhibit A).
Pursuant to Resolution 24-167,the City Council authorized participation in the grant application
process for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Office of Environmental
Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR) through the Environmental and Climate Justice
Community Change Grants Program for two eligible projects that were identified, (i.e., Sewer
Pipes Rehabilitation and Lift Station Rehabilitation).
Water Utilities staff prepared the scope, budget, and schedule documents as part of the grant
application. Ardurra completed the technical part of the application.
"Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743
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City of111110
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www.PortArthurTx.Rov
Digital Workforce Academy,operating as Golden Triangle Empowerment Center at 617 Proctor
Street, is the eligible community-based non-profit organization (CBO) for partnership with the
city to become eligible for application under this EPA grant opportunity.
Pursuant to Section III(B), Statutory Partnership Requirements and Collaborating Entities of the
grant program guidelines, the City is required to include a copy of a written and signed
Partnership Agreement with their application to be considered for funding.
Budget Impact:
No budgetary impact to submit the application, and the grant is 100% Federally funded.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council approve PR No. 23924, in order to meet the grant
application requirements for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Office of
Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR) through the Environmental and
Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program for two eligible projects (i.e., Sewer Pipes
Rehabilitation and Lift Station Rehabilitation).
"Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743
PR No. 23924
6/4/2024 cv
10/1/2024 Revised TNR
Page 1 of 3
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS WITH DIGITAL WORKFORCE ACADEMY TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, OFFICE OF
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND EXTERNAL CIVIL RIGHTS FUNDED
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMUNITY CHANGE GRANTS
PROGRAM. FUNDING APPROPRIATION WILL BE REQUIRED IF SELECTED FOR
AN AWARD. APPLYING FOR THE GRANT HAS NO BUDGETARY IMPACT AND IS
100% FEDERALLY FUNDED
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution 24-167, the City Council authorized participation in
the grant application process for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of
Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR) through the Environmental and
Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program for two eligible projects (i.e., Sewer Pipes
Rehabilitation and Lift Station Rehabilitation); and,
WHEREAS,the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program
allocates 100 percent of the total eligible activity costs under the federal share and does not require
recipients to contribute any local share as delineated in Exhibits "A.1"; and,
WHEREAS,to meet the grant application requirement,the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency(EPA)requires any local government applying for the grant to partner with a community-
based non-profit organization(CBO)to be eligible to participate in this program, See Exhibit"B";
and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution 24-167, the City has designated Digital Workforce
Academy, operating as Golden Triangle Empowerment Center, as the qualified community-based
non-profit organization(CBO)to collaborate with the City under the EPA grant opportunity; and,
WHEREAS, Digital Workforce Academy has a physical presence at 617 Proctor Street,
Port Arthur, and the City is in regular correspondence with their representatives; and,
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section III(B), Statutory Partnership Requirements and
Collaborating Entities of the grant program guidelines, the City is required to include a copy of a
written and signed Partnership Agreement with their application to be considered for funding; See
Exhibit"A," and,
WHEREAS, if the EPA awards the City one or both grants, Digital Workforce Academy
will receive a not to exceed payment of $412,193.00 for each grant,totaling$824,386.00 for both
projects as delineated in Exhibits "C" & "D" and;
WHEREAS, signing the Partnership Agreement with Digital Workforce Academy and
proceeding with the submittal of the grant applications is herein deemed an appropriate action;
now, therefore,
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PORT ARTHUR:
PR No. 23924
6/4/2024 cv
10/1/2024 Revised TNR
Page 2 of 3
THAT,the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct; and,
THAT, the City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to sign the Partnership
Agreement,in substantially the same form attached hereto as Exhibit"A",with Digital Workforce
Academy for each eligible project prior to submitting the grant application.
THAT,the allocation of funds to the Digital Workforce Academy will be only contingent
on the City securing the grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
THAT, a copy of the Resolution shall be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council.
READ, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED this day of , 2024, at a
Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas,by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor
Councilmembers:
NOES:
Thurman Bill Bartie,
Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard,
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Roxann Cotroneo,
City Attorney
PR No. 23924
6/4/2024 cv
Page 3 of 3
APPROVED FOR ADM ► TRATION:
ito/
Ronald Burton, CPM Calvin Matthews, P. .
City Manager Water Utilities Director
APPROVED AS TO THE AVAILABILITY
OF FUNDS:
YVl �iin
Clifton Lynda(Lyn) Boswell, MA, ICMA-CM Williams, CPPB
Director of Finance Purchasing Manage
PR No. 23924
6/4/2024 cv
10/1/2024 Revised TNR
Page 3 of 3
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Ronald Burton, CPM Calvin Matthews, P.E.
City Manager Water Utilities Director
APPROVED AS TO THE AVAILABILITY
OF FUNDS:
Lynda(Lyn) Boswell, MA, ICMA-CM Clifton Williams, CPPB
Director of Finance Purchasing Manage
EXHIBIT A
(COPA-DWA-Statutory Partnership Agreement-2024)
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STATE OF TEXAS § CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS
§ AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON §
This Agreement for Professional Services("Agreement")is made by and between the City of
Port Arthur, Texas, a Texas home-rule municipality located in Jefferson County, Texas ("Lead
Organization"),and the Digital Workforce Academy(DWA),a Texas community-based nonprofit
organization("Statutory Partner")(individually,each a"Party"and collectively,"Parties"),acting
by and through the Parties' authorized representatives.
Recitals:
WHEREAS, City desires to engage the services of Statutory Partner as an independent
contractor and not as an employee in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement and
WHEREAS,Statutory Partner desires to render professional services in accordance with the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in exchange for the mutual covenants set forth herein and other
valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties
agree as follows:
Article I
Employment of Statutory Partner
1. The Statutory Partner will perform as an independent contractor all services under this
Agreement to the prevailing professional standards consistent with the level of care and skill
ordinarily exercised by members of the Statutory Partner's profession,both public and private,
currently practicing in the same locality under similar conditions including but not limited to the
exercise of reasonable,informed judgments and prompt,timely action. If the Statutory Partner is
representing that it has special expertise in one or more areas to be utilized in the performance of
this Agreement,then the Statutory Partner agrees to perform those special expertise services to
the appropriate local, regional, and national professional standards.
Article II
SCOPE OF SERVICES
2.1. Consulting services shall be provided as follows:
A. BASIC SERVICES
a. Description of Work: STATUTORY PARTNER shall perform the services
as described as follows:
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Provide consulting services to the City of Port Arthur and for preparing and
submitting an application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)
for the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program"
("Project").The Statutory Partner will also assist the City personnel in gathering
the information needed to prepare the application.
The Parties desire to define their mutual rights and obligations governing the
development of a proposal to the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency(EPA),
hereinafter referred to as "Sponsor", in response to Notice of Funding
Opportunity#EPA-R-OEJECR-OCS-23-04 titled"Environmental and Climate
Justice Community Change Grants Program" ("Project").
B. Lead Organization shall have the following responsibilities:
a. Overall management, performance, oversight, and reporting responsibilities under
the grant.
b. Making subawards, ensuring proper expenditure of funds, and bearing liability for
unallowable costs.
C. Statutory Partner shall:
a. Collaborate with the Lead Organization to execute the Project.
b. Provide necessary resources and expertise as agreed upon for the successful
completion of the Project.
2.2. The Statutory Partner shall perform the services outlined in Exhibit A.1, attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference, entitled "Scope of Services." In case of
conflict with the language of Exhibit A.1 and the provisions of this Agreement, the
provisions of this Agreement shall control. Any additional services require the prior
approval of the City Council of the City.
2.3. The Parties acknowledge and agree that any and all opinions provided by the
Statutory Partner represent the best judgment of the Professional.
Article III
Term
3.1. STATUTORY PARTNER will proceed immediately upon execution of this Contract
with the performance of the services unless delayed by causes outside the control of the
STATUTORY PARTNER and will proceed with subsequent work only on authorization by
the CITY. STATUTORY PARTNER shall immediately submit to CITY and in writing
evidence of delay satisfactory to the CITY'S reasonable discretion,upon which an extension
of time equal to the period of actual delay may be granted in writing.
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3.2. The Statutory Partner may terminate this Agreement by giving the City thirty(30)
days prior written notice. In the event of such termination by the Statutory Partner, the
Statutory Partner shall be entitled to compensation for services satisfactorily completed in
accordance with this Agreement prior to the date of such termination.
3.3. This Agreement, which is effective upon the date of its execution hereof, shall
automatically expire and be deemed terminated effective upon the date of the happening or
occurrence of any one of the following events or conditions, whichever shall first occur:
a. Receipt of written notice from the sponsor of each solicitation that the Lead
Organization will not be awarded a contract.
b. Mutual written agreement of the Parties to terminate the Agreement.
c. Expiration of a two (2) year period commencing on the date of this
Agreement except as such period may be extended by mutual agreement of
the Parties unless the proposal has been submitted and is under review. In
this case, the Agreement will be automatically extended until:
• The contract is awarded or,
• Lead Organization notifies Statutory Partner that it will not receive
the award.
Further, should the Lead Organization elect to appeal/protest any sponsor
decision regarding said proposal or its award,this Agreement will remain in
effect until the sponsor decides or withdraws the appeal/protest. Any
subsequent related procurement action resulting from the appeal/protest effort
will accordingly be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
3.4. If, through any cause,the STATUTORY PARTNER shall fail to fulfill in a timely
and proper manner his obligations under this Contract,or if the STATUTORY PARTNER
violates any of the covenants, agreements, or stipulations of this Contract, the CITY shall
thereupon have the right to terminate this Contract by giving written notice to the
STATUTORY PARTNER of such termination and specifying the effective date thereof,at
least ten(10)days before the effective date of such termination. Notwithstanding the above,
the STATUTORY PARTNER shall not be relieved of liability to the CITY for damages
sustained by the CITY by virtue of any breach of the Contract by the STATUTORY
PARTNER,and the CITY may withhold any payments to the STATUTORY PARTNER for
the purpose of set-off until such time as the exact amount of damages due the CITY from
the STATUTORY PARTNER is determined.
Article IV
Schedule of Work
4.1. Statutory Partner agrees to commence services upon written direction from City and
to complete the tasks set forth in ExhibitA.1,Scope of Services,in accordance with a work
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schedule established by City(the"Schedule"),which is attached hereto and incorporated as
Exhibit A.1.
4.2. In the event Statutory Partner's performance of this Agreement is delayed or
interfered with by acts of City or others,Statutory Partner may request an extension of time
for the performance of same as hereinafter provided, and City shall determine whether to
authorize any increase in fee or price or to authorize damages or additional compensation as
a consequence of such delays,within a reasonable time after receipt of Statutory Partner's
request.
4.3. No allowance of any extension of time,for any cause whatsoever,shall be claimed or
made by the Statutory Partner unless the Statutory Partner shall have made a written request
upon City for such extension not later than five(5)business days after the occurrence of the
cause serving as the basis for such extension request,and unless City and Statutory Partner
have agreed in writing upon the allowance of such additional time.
Article V
Compensation and Method of Payment
5.1. The city shall pay the Professional a fee not to exceed $412,193.00, totaling
$824,386.00 for both projects as for the services specifically set forth in Exhibits "C" &
5.2. Each month, the Professional shall submit to the City an invoice supporting the
amount for which payment is sought. Each invoice shall also state the percentage of work
completed on the Project through the end of the then-submitted billing period,the total of
the current invoice amount, and a running total balance for the Project to date.
5.3. Within thirty(30)days of receipt of each such monthly invoice,the City shall make
monthly payments in the amount shown by the Professional's approved monthly invoice
and other documentation submitted.
5.4. The Professional shall be solely responsible for the payment of all costs and expenses
related to the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, including,but not limited to,
travel,copying,and facsimile charges,reproduction charges,and telephone,internet,e-mail,
and postage charges, except as set forth in Exhibit A.1.
5.5. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall require the City to pay for any services
that are unsatisfactory as determined by the City or which are not performed in compliance
with the terms of this Agreement, nor shall failure to withhold payment pursuant to the
provisions of this section constitute a waiver of any right, at law or in equity, which City
may have if Professional is in default,including the right to bring legal action for damages
or for specific performance of this Agreement. Waiver of any default under this Agreement
shall not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent default.
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Article VI
Devotion of Time, Personnel, and Equipment
6.1. Statutory Partner shall devote such time as reasonably necessary for the satisfactory
performance of the services under this Agreement. City reserves the right to revise or
expand the scope of services after due approval by City as City may deem necessary,but in
such event, City shall pay Statutory Partner compensation for such services at mutually
agreed upon charges or rates,a copy of the Rate Schedule is attached hereto as Exhibit C&
D,and within the time schedule prescribed by City,and without decreasing the effectiveness
of the performance of services required under this Agreement. When the Statutory Partner
is directed to revise or expand the scope of services under this Agreement, the Statutory
Partner shall provide the City a written proposal for the entire costs involved in performing
such additional services. Prior to the Statutory Partner undertaking any revised or expanded
services as directed by the City under this Agreement,the City must authorize in writing the
nature and scope of the services and accept the method and amount of compensation and the
time involved in all phases of the Project.
6.2. It is expressly understood and agreed to by Statutory Partner that any compensation
not specified in this Agreement may require approval by the City Council of the City of Port
Arthur and may be subject to current budget year limitations.
6.3. To the extent reasonably necessary for the Statutory Partner to perform the services
under this Agreement,the Statutory Partner shall be authorized to engage the services of any
agents,assistants,persons,or corporations that the Statutory Partner may deem proper to aid
or assist in the performance of the services under this Agreement. The cost of such
personnel and assistance shall be borne exclusively by Statutory Partner.
6.4. Statutory Partner shall furnish the facilities, equipment, telephones, facsimile
machines, email facilities, and personnel necessary to perform the services required under
this Agreement unless otherwise provided herein.
Article VII
Relationship of Parties
7.1. It is understood and agreed by and between the Parties that in satisfying the
conditions and requirements of this Agreement, the Statutory Partner is acting as an
independent contractor,and the City assumes no responsibility or liability to any third party
in connection with the services provided by the Statutory Partner under this Agreement. All
services to be performed by the Statutory Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be in the
capacity of an independent contractor and not as an agent, servant, representative, or
employee of the City. Statutory Partner shall supervise the performance of its services and
shall be entitled to control the manner, means, and methods by which Statutory Partner's
services are to be performed,subject to the terms of this Agreement. As such,City shall not
train Statutory Partner,require Statutory Partner to complete regular oral or written reports,
require Statutory Partner to devote his full-time services to City, or dictate Statutory
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Partner's sequence of work or location at which Statutory Partner performs Statutory
Partner's work, except as may be outlined in Exhibit A.1.
A. Lead Organization shall have the following responsibilities:
a. Overall management,performance,oversight,and reporting responsibilities
under the grant.
b. Making subawards, ensuring proper expenditure of funds, and bearing
liability for unallowable costs.
B. Statutory Partner shall:
a. Collaborate with the Lead Organization to execute the Project.
b. Provide necessary resources and expertise as agreed upon for the successful
completion of the Project.
Article VIII
Right to Inspect Records
8.1. Statutory Partner agrees that City shall have access to and the right to examine any
directly pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of Statutory Partner involving
transactions relating to this Agreement. Statutory Partner agrees that the City shall have
access during normal working hours to all necessary Statutory Partner facilities and shall be
provided adequate and appropriate workspace to conduct audits in compliance with the
provisions of this section. The city shall give the Statutory Partner reasonable advance
notice of intended audits.
8.2. Statutory Partner further agrees to include in subcontract(s),if any, a provision that
any subcontractor agrees that the City shall have access to and the right to examine any
directly pertinent books, documents, papers, and records of such subcontractor involving
transactions related to the subcontract,and further,that City shall have access during normal
working hours to all such subcontractor facilities and shall be provided adequate and
appropriate workspace,to conduct audits in compliance with the provisions of this section.
City shall give any such subcontractor reasonable advance notice of intended audits.
Article IX
Miscellaneous
9.1. In the event the Lead Organization is awarded based on the proposal, Lead
Organization and Statutory Partner agree to negotiate in good faith and proceed in a timely
manner to conclude a mutually acceptable agreement for fulfilling the requirements of the
award as proposed in the joint grant proposal.
9.2. Each of the Parties agrees that it will use the same reasonable efforts to protect the
other's proprietary information as it does to protect its own proprietary information. Each
Party shall designate the information that it considers proprietary. Disclosures of such
information shall be restricted to individuals directly participating in the proposal and
subcontract efforts identified in the Agreement. Both Parties agree to use such information
6
only for the purposes of providing proposals to federal solicitations and any related
discussion/negotiations with such. Proprietary information shall not include information
that(a)was or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of disclosure
by the recipient Party to the public or any third Party in violation to this Agreement, (b)
becomes available to the recipient Party from a source other than the disclosing Party,
provided that the recipient Party has no reason to believe that such source is itself bound by
a confidentiality or nondisclosure agreement with the disclosing Party or otherwise
prohibited from disclosing such Confidential Information by a legal,contractual or fiduciary
obligation,(c)was developed by the recipient Party without the use of the disclosing Party's
Confidential Information, or (d) is required to be disclosed by the recipient Party by a
governmental agency, law or regulation, so long as the recipient Party provides the
disclosing Party with written notice of the required disclosure promptly upon receipt of
notice of the required disclosure.
9.3. Each Party will give full recognition and consideration to the role and contribution of
the other Party in all news releases concerning this procurement that directly pertain to the
other Party's area of responsibility. The subcontractor shall obtain the Lead Organization's
written approval before any public release concerning the sponsor's award and any resultant
agreement.
9.4. Communication relating to this Agreement shall be directed only to the person
designated to represent the Parties. Each of the Parties to this Agreement shall appoint one
technical and one administrative representative. These appointments shall be kept current
during the period of this Agreement. Communications not properly signed by the persons
designated to represent the Lead Organization and Statutory Partner shall not be binding
upon the Parties. All technical notices shall be addressed to:
DWA City of Port Arthur
Melvin White, Executive Director Ron Burton, City Manager
Digital Workforce Academy
PO Box 140272
Austin, TX 78714
Phone: 512 791-6166
Email : mwhite@mrswmanagement.com
All contractual notices shall be addressed to:
DWA City of Port Arthur
Melvin White, Executive Director
Digital Workforce Academy
PO Box 140272
Austin,TX 78762
Phone: 512-791-6166
Email: mwhite@mrswmanagement.com
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9.5. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Texas.
9.6. This Agreement may not be assigned or otherwise transferred by either Party, in
whole or in part, without the express prior written consent of the other Party.
9.7. This Agreement contains the Parties' entire agreement and cancels and supersedes
any previous understanding or agreement related to this procurement, whether written or
oral. All changes or modifications to this Agreement must be agreed to in writing between
the Parties. If any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, the remaining
provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The failure of either Party to enforce any
provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of such provision or any other
provision.
9.8. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the Parties hereto in separate
counterparts, each of which,when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed an original,
but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. Each
counterpart may consist of any number of copies,each signed by less than all but signed by
all of the Parties hereto.
9.9. Exhibits. The attached exhibits are incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all
purposes.
9.10. Statutory Partner Liability. Acceptance of the Project Documents by City shall not
constitute nor be deemed a release of the responsibility and liability of Statutory Partner,its
employees, associates, agents, or subcontractors for the accuracy and competency of their
designs, working drawings, specifications, or other documents and work; nor shall such
acceptance be deemed an assumption of responsibility by City for any defect in the Project
Documents or other documents and work prepared by Statutory Partner, its employees,
associates, agents or sub-consultants.
9.11. Indemnification. STATUTORY PARTNER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND
HOLD HARMLESS CITY FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES,
DAMAGES, CLAIMS, SUITS, COSTS (INCLUDING COURT COSTS,
REASONABLE ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COSTS OF INVESTIGATION) AND
ACTIONS BY REASON OF INJURY TO OR DEATH OF ANY PERSON OR
DAMAGE TO OR LOSS OF PROPERTY TO THE EXTENT CAUSED BY
STATUTORY PARTNER'S NEGLIGENT PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES
UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR BY REASON OF ANY ACT OR OMISSION ON
THE PART OF STATUTORY PARTNER, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,
SERVANTS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, REPRESENTATIVES, CONTRACTORS,
SUBCONTRACTORS, LICENSEES, SUCCESSORS OR PERMITTED ASSIGNS
(EXCEPT WHEN SUCH LIABILITY, CLAIMS, SUITS, COSTS, INJURIES,
DEATHS OR DAMAGES ARISE FROM OR ARE ATTRIBUTED TO THE
NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY).IF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE
BROUGHT BY OR AGAINST CITY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH
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LIABILITY OR CLAIM, THE STATUTORY PARTNER, ON NOTICE FROM
CITY, SHALL DEFEND SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDINGS AT STATUTORY
PARTNER'S EXPENSE, BY OR THROUGH ATTORNEYS REASONABLY
SATISFACTORY TO CITY. STATUTORY PARTNER'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER
THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE LIMITED TO THE LIMITS OF COVERAGE OF
INSURANCE MAINTAINED OR REQUIRED TO BE MAINTAINED BY
STATUTORY PARTNER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. IF THIS AGREEMENT IS
A CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING OR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES,THEN
THIS SECTION IS LIMITED BY, AND TO BE READ AS BEING IN
COMPLIANCE WITH, THE INDEMNITY SPECIFIED IN § 271.904 OF THE
TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE,AS AMENDED. THIS SECTION SHALL
SURVIVE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT
9.12. Conflicts of Interests. Statutory Partner represents that no official or employee of
City has any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in this Agreement. Any misrepresentation
by Statutory Partner under this section shall be grounds for termination of this Agreement
and shall be grounds for recovery of any loss,cost,expense or damage incurred by City as a
result of such misrepresentation.
9.13. Default. If at any time during the term of this Agreement,Statutory Partner shall fail
to commence the services in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or fail to
diligently provide services in an efficient, timely and careful manner and in strict
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or fail to use an adequate number or
quality of personnel to complete the services or fail to perform any of Statutory Partner's
obligations under this Agreement, then City shall have the right, if Statutory Partner shall
not cure any such default after thirty (30) days written notice thereof, to terminate this
Agreement. Any such act by City shall not be deemed a waiver of any other right or remedy
of City. If after exercising any such remedy due to Statutory Partner's nonperformance
under this Agreement,the cost to City to complete the services to be performed under this
Agreement is in excess of that part of the contract sum which as not theretofore been paid to
Statutory Partner hereunder,Statutory Partner shall be liable for and shall reimburse City for
such excess costs.
9.14. Confidential Information. Statutory Partner hereby acknowledges and agrees that
its representatives may have access to or otherwise receive information during the
furtherance of Statutory Partner's obligations in accordance with this Agreement,which is
of a confidential, non-public or proprietary nature. Statutory Partner shall treat any such
information received in full confidence and will not disclose or appropriate such
Confidential Information for Statutory Partner's own use or the use of any third party at any
time during or subsequent to this Agreement. As used herein, "Confidential Information"
means all oral and written information concerning the City, its affiliates and subsidiaries,
and all oral and written information concerning City or its activities,that is of a non-public,
proprietary or confidential nature including, without limitation, information pertaining to
customer lists, services, methods, processes and operating procedures, together with all
analyses,compilations, studies or other documents,whether prepared by Statutory Partner
or others, which contain or otherwise reflect such information. The term "Confidential
Information"shall not include such information that is or becomes generally available to the
9
public other than as a result of disclosure to a Professional or is required to be disclosed by a
governmental authority under applicable law.
9.15. Remedies. No right or remedy granted or reserved to the Parties is exclusive of
any other right or remedy herein by law or equity provided or permitted,but each right or
remedy shall be cumulative of every other right or remedy given hereunder. No covenant or
condition of this Agreement may be waived without written consent of the Parties.
Forbearance or indulgence by either Party shall not constitute a waiver of any covenant or
condition to be performed pursuant to this Agreement.
9.15.1. If any disputes arise between the Parties regarding the interpretation or
implementation of this Agreement, the Parties shall attempt to resolve such disputes
amicably through good faith negotiations. If the Parties cannot resolve the dispute
within 30 days,either Party may initiate mediation. If mediation fails,the dispute shall
be resolved through binding arbitration with the rules of the arbitrator acceptable to
both Parties.
9.16. Substitutions. Without restricting the terms and conditions of the subcontract, any
resulting sub-award agreement will contain provisions passing down all contract provisions
to the Statutory Partner that are required of the Lead Organization. It is understood between
the Lead Organization and Statutory Partner that any such sub-award agreement may be
subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer of the procuring authority of the sponsor,
regardless of the provisions hereof.
9.16.1. If a Statutory Partner must be replaced, the following process shall be followed:
9.16.1.1. Lead Organization shall notify Partner Organization in writing of the need for
replacement.
9.16.1.2. Lead Organization and Partner Organization shall collaboratively identify
potential replacements with comparable expertise, experience, knowledge, and
qualifications.
9.16.1.3. Lead Organization shall see the replacement's approval from the funding
agency. Upon approval, the new Statutory Partner shall execute an agreement
with Lead Organization outlining their roles and responsibilities in the Project.
9.17. No Third-Party Beneficiary. For purposes of this Agreement,including the intended
operation and effect of this Agreement,the Parties specifically agree and contract that: (1)
this.Agreement only affects matters between the Parties to this Agreement and is in no way
intended by the Parties to benefit or otherwise affect any third person or entity
notwithstanding the fact that such third person or entity may be in contractual relationship
with City or Statutory Partner or both; and(2)the terms of this Agreement are not intended
to release,either by contract or operation of law,any third person or entity from obligations
owing by them to either City or Statutory Partner.
10
DIGITAL WORKFORCE ACADEMY CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
By By
Ron Burton
Printed Name &Title City Manager
Date Date
11
EXHIBIT A.1
(NOFO for the EPA opportunity)
FEDERAL AGENCY AND OFFICE: U.S.Environmental Protection Agency,Office of
Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights
(OEJECR)
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY TITLE: Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change
Grants Program
ANNOUNCEMENT TYPE: Notice of Funding Opportunity(NOFO)
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: EPA-R-OEJECR-OCS-23-04
ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER: 66.616
IMPORTANT DATES:
November 21,2023 NOFO Opening Date
November 21,2024 Application Closing Date
March 2024 Initial Award Selections
May/June 2024 Anticipated Start of Period of Performance for Initial
Selections
DEADLINE:Application packages will be accepted on a rolling basis,as further explained in the NOFO,
until November 21,2024,at 11:59 PM(Eastern Time)through Grants.gov.Applications received after the
closing date and time will not be considered for funding.
In alignment with EPA's commitment to conducting business in an open and transparent manner,copies of
applications selected for award under this NOFO may, as appropriate,be made publicly available on the
OEJECR website or other public website for a period after the selected applications are announced.
Therefore,applicants should clearly indicate which portion(s)of the application, if any,they are claiming
contains confidential,privileged,or sensitive information. As provided at 40 CFR§2.203(b),if no claim
of confidential treatment accompanies the information when it is received by EPA,it may be made available
to the public by EPA without further notice to the applicant.
NOTE: Prior to naming a contractor (including consultants) or subrecipient in your application as a
"partner,"please carefully review Section IV.d,"Contracts and Subawards,"of EPA's Solicitation Clauses
that are incorporated by reference in this NOFO in Section I.J.EPA expects recipients of funding to comply
with competitive procurement contracting requirements as well as EPA's rule on Participation by
Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in EPA Programs in 40 CFR Part 33. The Agency does not accept
justifications for sole source contracts for services or products available in the commercial marketplace
based on a contractor's role in preparing an application or a firm or individual's"unique"qualifications.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Section I.Funding Opportunity Description 4
A. Background: Inflation Reduction Act and Executive Orders 4
B. Statutory and Regulatory Authority 5
C. Community Change Grants Objectives 6
D. NOFO Competition Features 6
E. Technical Assistance 7
F. Community or Tribal Relocation Resources 8
G. Funding Track I:Community-Driven Investments for Change 8
H. Funding Track II: Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance 19
I. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage,Anticipated Outputs,Outcomes&Performance Measures 22
J. Additional Provisions for Applicants Incorporated into the NOFO 23
Section II. Federal Award Information 24
A. Number and Amount of Awards 24
B. Target Investment Areas(TIA)for Track I Applications 24
C. Rolling Application Submittal and Review Process,Application Award Limits,and Application
Resubmission Procedures 25
D. Conditional Awards 26
E. Period of Performance 26
F. Partial Funding 26
G. Additional Awards 26
H. Funding Type 27
Section III. Eligibility Information 78
A. Eligible Applicants 28
B. Statutory Partnership Requirements and Collaborating Entities 30
C. Cost-Sharing or Matching Funds 31
D. Threshold Eligibility Criteria 31
Section [V. Application and Submission Information 34
A. Requirement to Submit through Grants.gov and Limited Exception Procedures 34
B. Content of Application Submission 37
C. Informational Webinars and Application Assistance 46
Section V. Application Review Information .►-
A. Threshold Eligibility Review Process 47
1
1
B. Review Panel and Evaluation Process 47
C. Track I Application Review Process,Evaluation Criteria,and Oral Presentations 47
D. Track II Application Review Process and Evaluation Criteria 54
E. Final Selection Process and Other Factors 57
F. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date 58
Section VI. Award Administration Information 59
A. Award Notification and Disputes 59
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 59
C. Audit Requirements 62
D. Remedies for Non-Compliance 62
E. Program Administration Activities 63
F. Fraud,Waste,and Abuse Awareness 63
G.Quality Management Plans(QMPs)&Quality Assurance Project Plans(QAPPs) 63
Section VII. Contact Information 65
Appendix A. Definition of Disadvantaged Communities and Mapping Requirements 66
Appendix B. Partnership Agreement between the Lead Applicant and Statutory Partner 70
Appendix C.Climate action Strategies and Associated Project Activities 71
Appendix D. Pollution Reduction Strategies and Associated Project Activities 78
Appendix E.Job Quality& Equitable Employment Opportunities 81
Appendix E. Track I and tI Outputs and Outcomes 82
Appendix G. Budget Template 87
Appendix H.Alaska Tribal Lands Target Investment Area 92
I
•
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
(back to the 7able of Contents)
A. Background: Inflation Reduction Act and Executive Orders
The Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant program(Community Change Grants)
—the subject of this NOFO—offers an unprecedented opportunity to transform disadvantaged communities
across the United States into healthy,climate resilient,and thriving communities for their current and future
residents. The Community Change Grants will fund community-driven projects that address climate
challenges and reduce pollution while strengthening communities through thoughtful implementation.The
historic levels of support provided by these grants will enable communities and their partners to overcome
longstanding environmental challenges and implement meaningful solutions to meet community needs now
and for generations to come.
The Inflation Reduction Act(IRA) created the Environmental and Climate Justice Program (ECJP)—the
largest investment in environmental and climate justice in U.S. history—when it was signed into law by
President Biden on August 16, 2022. The ECJP is now contained in Section 138 of the Clean Air Act
(CAA), 42 U.S.C. § 7438. Under this program, EPA was provided $2.8 billion to award grants to help
disadvantaged communities address a wide range of environmental and climate justice issues, and $200
million for technical assistance related to these grants.This historic investment advances Executive Order
13985,Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal
Government,which established a whole-of-government approach to advancing equity and opportunity,and
Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,which created the government-
wide Justice 40 Initiative that established the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal
investments flow to disadvantaged communities. Awards under the ECJP also support core goals of
Executive Order 14091, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities
Through the Federal Government,and Executive Order 14096,Revitalizing Our Nation's Commitment to
Environmental Justice for All.
The Community Change Grants are the final and most comprehensive piece of EPA's implementation of
ECJP IRA funding. The Community Change Grants will complement grant programs that EPA launched
in 2022 and 2023, including those for the Collaborative Problem-Solving, Government-to-Government,
and Thriving Communities Grantmaker programs.Collectively,these programs will empower communities
and their partners to design, develop, and implement multi-faceted community-driven projects. These
programs will address the diverse and unique needs of disadvantaged communities by:
1. Reducing and preventing pollution;
2. Building resilience to climate change and mitigating current and future climate risks;
3. Enhancing meaningful involvement in government processes related to environmental and climate
justice;
4. Expanding access to high-quality jobs and economic opportunity through workforce development;
and
5. Bolstering community strength by ensuring that local residents receive the benefits of investments
and have the opportunity to build on them for current and future generations.
Through the approximately$2 billion to be awarded under the Community Change Grants,and the technical
assistance that will be available to eligible applicants related to the grants, EPA will advance the goals of
these Executive Orders(EO)and the agency's environmental and climate justice priorities. Environmental
u� slice, as defined by EO 14096, means the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people,
4
regardless of income,race,color,national origin,Tribal affiliation,or disability,in agency decision-making
and other federal activities that affect human health and the environment so that people:
• Are fully protected from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects
(including risks)and hazards,including those related to climate change,the cumulative impacts of
environmental and other burdens,and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers;
and
• Have equitable access to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment in which to live, play,
work,learn,grow,worship,and engage in cultural and subsistence practices.
B. Statutory and Regulatory Authority
The authority for the awards under this NOFO is Clean Air Act(CAA)§ 138,codified at 42 U.S.C.§7438.
Of the $2.8 billion appropriated, approximately $2 billion will be awarded for the Community Change
Grants under this NOFO.As provided in 42 U.S.C. §7438(a)(I)and(b)(1),all the funds must be awarded
by September 30,2026,the grants cannot be longer than three years in duration,and no extensions will be
granted.
Eligible entities and eligible activities are defined in 42 U.S.C.§7438(b)(2)and(3)and are further described
below and in Section I and Section III of this NOFO.
Section 138(b)(2)of the CAA specifies that an eligible entity may use a grant awarded under this NOFO
for:
1. community-led air and other pollution monitoring,prevention, and remediation,and investments
in low and zero-emission and resilient technologies and related infrastructure and workforce
development that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions'and other air pollutants;
2. mitigating climate and health risks from urban heat islands, extreme heat,wood heater emissions,
and wildfire events:
3. climate resiliency and adaptation;
4. reducing indoor toxics and indoor air pollution;or
5. facilitating engagement of disadvantaged communities in state and federal advisory groups,
workshops,rulemakings,and other public processes.
In addition, Section 102(2)(1) of the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)(1) is
applicable to international work, if any,under this NOFO. Further, all funded activities under this NOFO
must comply with federal,state,and local laws and regulations,including but not limited to:
1. 2 CFR 200.435(b), which restricts the use of grant funds to defend a recipient that is subject to a
criminal,civil or administrative proceeding against it commenced by any government for fraud or
similar offenses;
2. 2 CFR 200.435(g),which precludes the use of grant funds to prosecute claims against the Federal
Government;and
3. 2 CFR 200.450(c), which restricts the use of federal funds by nonprofit organizations for certain
lobbying or electioneering activities but does not preclude the use of federal funds to promote
adoption of local ordinances,including those related to zoning.
' "Greenhouse gas"means the air pollutants carbon dioxide,hydrofluorocarbons,methane,nitrous oxide,
perfluorocarbons,and sulfur hexafluoride.
4. 40 CFR Parts 5 and 7, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin
(including limited-English proficiency),disability,sex,and age by recipients and subrecipients of
federal financial assistance.
C. Community Change Grants Objectives
The Community Change Grants will support comprehensive community and place-based approaches to
redressing environmental and climate injustices for communities facing legacy pollution,climate change.
and persistent disinvestment. These concentrated local investments will fund community-driven,change-
making projects that center collaborative efforts for healthier,safer,and more prosperous communities.
Designed with meaningful community, Tribal, and other stakeholder involvement, the investments EPA
makes through the Community Change Grants are intended to achieve the following objectives:
1. Provide resources for community-driven projects to address environmental and climate challenges
in communities facing disproportionate and adverse health,pollution,and environmental impacts,
and suffering from generations of disinvestment.
2. Invest in strong cross-sectoral collaborations with partners who bring a robust commitment to
working with and for communities with environmental and climate justice concerns.
3. Unlock access to additional and more significant resources to advance environmental and climate
justice goals from across the federal government and other sources.
4. Empower communities and strengthen their capacity to drive meaningful positive change on the
ground for years to come.
5. Strengthen community participation in government decision-making processes that impact them.
D. NOFO Competition Features
{
EPA anticipates awarding approximately$2 billion in funding through this NOFO,depending on funding
availability,quality of applications received,EPA priorities,and other applicable considerations. EPA will
consider applications under two separate tracks.
• Track I applications—Community-Driven Investments for Change will focus on multi-faceted
applications with Climate Action and Pollution Reduction Strategies to meaningfully improve the
environmental, climate, and resilience conditions affecting disadvantaged communities. Awards
under Track I are expected to be$10-20 million each and cannot exceed$20 million.EPA expects
to award approximately$1.96 billion for approximately 150 Track I awards,including those under
the Target Investment Areas described in Section II.B.
• Track II applications—Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance will facilitate the
engagement of disadvantaged communities in governmental processes to advance environmental
and climate justice.Awards under Track II are expected to be$1-3 million each and cannot exceed
$3 million.EPA will award approximately$40 million for approximately 20 Track II awards.
The number of Track I and Track II awards are estimates,and EPA reserves the right to increase or decrease
the total number of awards and dollar amounts for each track, contingent on the quality of applications
received, the amount of funds awarded to selected applicants, budget availability, agency priorities,
programmatic considerations,or a combination of these.
Target Investment Areas for Track I Applications: EPA has identified five Target Investment Areas
(TIA) to help ensure that communities with unique circumstances, geography, and needs can equitably
compete for funding(see Section Il.B). Applicants applying under a specified TIA will compete against
other applicants under the same TIA,as opposed to the broader application pool.Please note that applicants
applying for the TIA for Alaska Tribal lands should review Appendix H for additional guidance pertaining
to the Climate Action and Pollution Reduction Strategies to include in their application, including those
related to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act(ANCSA).
Eligible Applicants:Eligible applicants for the Community Change Grants include a partnership between
two community-based non-profit organizations(CBOs), or a partnership between a CBO and one of the
following: a Federally recognized Tribe,a local government, or an institution of higher education (IHE),
including Minority Serving Institutions as further described in Section IlI.A. Other organizations and
entities may participate in the Community Change Grants as Collaborating Entities through subawards,or
as contractors selected in accordance with competitive procurement requirements. Further details about
applicant eligibility, partnership requirements, Collaborating Entities, subawards, and procurement
contracts are in Section III.
Under this NOFO,Lead Applicants,as defined in Section I II.A,may submit a maximum of two applications
and may receive up to two awards,if they demonstrate the capacity and capabilities to effectively perform,
manage, oversee, and complete the awards within the three-year grant period of performance. The two
applications may be two Track I applications,two Track II applications, or one of each. Lead Applicants
who submit more than two total applications will be asked to withdraw the excess one(s). EPA will not
review more than two applications from any one Lead Applicant.
In addition, EPA is introducing several features to enhance community involvement and ease the
application process.Unless otherwise noted,the following applies to both Track I and Track II applications:
• Rolling Applications. EPA will allow applications to be submitted on a rolling basis over a 12-
month period,through November 21,2024,and will permit applicants to resubmit an unsuccessful
application after a debriefing with the agency. Further details about the rolling application and
resubmission process are in Sections II and V.
• Fast-Tracked Approach. EPA will review and expeditiously select high-quality applications to
deliver results and benefits to disadvantaged communities.Further information is in Section V.
• Indirect Costs Limitation. As further described in Appendix G,there is a 20%cap on indirect
costs for certain recipients and subrecipients.
• Track I Two-Phase Evaluation Process. Applicants for Track I whose applications score well
following the written application review will be invited to participate in an oral presentation,as
further described in Section V,at which they will have an opportunity to share information about
the community-oriented nature of their projects and how they will successfully implement the
grant.The Track II application process does not involve an oral presentation.
E. Technical Assistance
Under the IRA, EPA received$200 million for technical assistance to eligible entities in connection with
the ECJP.Technical assistance will be available for pre-award technical assistance including but not limited
to designing a project, preparing an application,or facilitating partnerships,and for post-award technical
assistance to help grant recipients manage,oversee,perform,and report on the grants.Further details about
technical assistance can be found here. Receiving technical assistance does not guarantee that applicants
will be selected for funding.
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F. Community or Tribal Relocation Resources
Projects for community or Tribal relocation activities are not eligible for funding under this NOFO and will
not be reviewed.For purposes of this NOFO, relocation activities generally include activities intended to
plan or assist the moving of an individual from their residence or a business from its place of business.2
EPA is working with other federal agencies on a separate and tailored effort to develop a support mechanism
for communities that want to implement community-driven relocation plans. EPA intends to share
relocation assistance information in future guidance posted on the Communiti Change Grants tivcbsitc. In
the interim, information related to Federally-assisted relocation can be found on FEMA's ‘iebpa<_e and in
the IIUD Climate Resilience Implementation Guide for Community Driven Relocation. Any questions
about whether an activity is considered a relocation activity should be sent by email to CCGP a.epa.goy
prior to applying.
G. Funding Track I: Community-Driven Investments for Change
1.Track I Obiectives
Track I is the primary emphasis for the Community Change Grants. These projects will be implemented
through strong collaborations to achieve sustained impacts related to climate resilience,pollution reduction,
community health, economic prosperity, and community strength. This approach catalyzes change by
focusing on the following objectives:
• Increase community resilience through climate action activities: Implement comprehensive
Climate Action Strategies and infrastructure that build the resilience and adaptive capacities of
communities, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and better prepare for and reduce the
impacts of climate change.
• Reduce local pollution to improve public health: Reduce and remediate quantifiable health-
harming pollutants to improve public health.
• Center meaningful community engagement:Conduct robust community engagement throughout
the project—from design to implementation.
• Build community strength: Develop strategies to increase the likelihood that benefits of the
investments accrue to existing residents of disadvantaged communities, both immediately and
sustainably beyond the grant period.
• Reach priority populations: Support
ppo people within the Project Area as described in Appendix A
who are acutely exposed to and impacted by climate,pollution,and weather-related threats,and/
or who exhibit acute vulnerabilities to the impacts of environmental pollution.
• Maximize integration across projects: Ensure that the projects and activities within the Project
Area are integrated and complement each other to maximize benefits.
2 The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act,42 U.S.C. §4601 et seq.(URA)
would apply if a construction project funded through a Community Change Grant has an incidental effect of
permanently displacing residents or businesses.
This may include populations of concern as identified in The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the
1.nited States:A Scientific Assessment t 20l6)that"experience disproportionate,multiple,and complex risks to their
health and well-being in response to climate change,"such as children and pregnant women,older adults,and those
with low incomes,limited-English-proficiency,disabilities or chronic medical conditions,or other risks that may put
them at greater vulnerability.
2.Track I Community Vision Description
Track I applications should be rooted in addressing specific, community-driven environmental justice
challenges. Accordingly, Track I applications should begin with a Community Vision Description that, at
a minimum, provides an overview of the Project Area community to benefit from the grant, a clear
description of the challenges the community faces, and a vision for how the grant will respond to those
challenges to advance environmental and climate justice in the community.This description should provide
essential context for the rest of the application,informing how the Climate Action and Pollution Reduction
Strategies were selected and the positive impact the applicant envisions the grant will have in the
community. The Community Vision Description is further described in Section IV.B: Content of
Application Submission.
3. Track I Application Requirements
Track I applications must address the following six requirements, as further described below. Additional
information about the contents of the Project Narrative for Track I applications can be found in Section
IV.B: Content of Application Submission and information about how applications will be evaluated can be
found in Section V.C: Track IApplication Review Process, Evaluation Criteria, and Oral Presentations.
Requirement 1. Climate Action Strategy: Applications must include at least one project aligned with at
least one of the Climate Action Strategies as described below. The Climate Action Strategies focus on
strengthening the community's climate resilience and / or reducing GHG emissions. Climate Action
Strategies should be responsive to the community challenges described in the Community Vision
Description.
Requirement 2. Pollution Reduction Strategy: Applications must include at least one project aligned
with at least one of the Pollution Reduction Strategy as described below.The Pollution Reduction Strategy
can include monitoring,prevention,reduction,and remediation activities that support community efforts to
address quantifiable and health-harming pollutants. Pollution Reduction Strategies range broadly
depending on the type and pathway of pollution(e.g., indoor,or outdoor air pollution,water pollution,soil
pollution). Pollution Reduction Strategies should be responsive to the community challenges described in
the Community Vision Description.
Requirement 3. Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan: Successful
implementation of environmental and climate justice projects requires relationships among an ecosystem
of community leaders and members along with partners across varied sectors. To help ensure that the
community itself drives project development and implementation, applicants must submit a Community
Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan which should demonstrate how the applicant will inform,
respond to, and engage community members throughout project development and implementation. This
plan should include a Collaborative Governance Structure,which describes the roles and responsibilities of
the Lead Applicant,Collaborating Entities,and community residents in implementing the project.
Requirement 4. Community Strength Plan: Applicants must submit a Community Strength Plan that
describes how their proposed projects will enhance the overall strength and economic prosperity of the
community, including maximizing the benefits of the projects for existing residents and minimizing
potential risks associated with investing significant resources into the Project Area. This should include
strategies for how the projects will promote inclusive economic development,drive benefits of the projects
to existing residents, and proactively address unintended displacement consequences. This plan should
speak to how the projects will enhance the overall wellbeing of the community, ensuring existing
community members receive the benefits of these investments and can build on those benefits for future
generations.
Requirement 5.Readiness Approach:Given the statutory requirement that all Community Change Grants
must be completed within three years, applicants must describe how they will be able to initiate grant
performance upon award,or generally no later than 120 days after award,so they can successfully complete
the grant within the three-year period of performance.
Requirement 6. Compliance Plan: Applicants must submit a Compliance Plan that describes how they
will:(I)ensure compliance with the grant's terms and conditions,including 2 CFR§ 200.302(b)(financial
management), 2 CFR § 200.303 (internal controls), and 2 CFR § 200.332 (requirements for pass-through
entities); and(7)manage broader legal and compliance risks.
Details of Track I Application Requirements
Requirement 1. Climate Action Strategies: Applicants must include at least one project aligned with at
least one of the Climate Action Strategies identified below. When addressing the strategy in their
application,applicants should describe relevant challenges faced in the Project Area and how the selected
Climate Action Strategy(ies)and associated project(s)will address those challenges. Each Climate Action
Strategy outlined below is focused on building short-term and long-term climate resilience,reducing GHGs,
and providing additional co-benefits so that impacted communities can adapt to the changing climate.
Applicants are also encouraged,as applicable,to integrate processes that minimize burdens to human health
and the environment while maximizing benefits to the Project Area through such means as integrating
nature-based solutions, utilization of low-carbon building materials, or sourcing sustainable products and
materials to perform the projects. When selecting a Climate Action Strategy and designing their climate
action projects,applicants may refer to the National Climate Resilience Framework released in September
2023.
Examples of project activities and guidelines associated with the strategies can be found in Appendix C.
While applicants may select from among the examples in the Appendix,applicants may also submit other
types of project activities as long as they are consistent with a Climate Action Strategy described in Section
1.6 of the NOFO and are eligible for funding under§138(b)(2)of the CAA.
Strategy 1: Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions
Many disadvantaged communities face complex climate challenges. such as urban heat island effects
and flooding risks. Strategy 1 supports using nature-based solutions (NBS), also referred to as green
infrastructure, to address such climate risks. Nature-based solutions are generally actions to protect,
sustainably manage, or restore natural systems to address the impacts of climate change, while
simultaneously providing benefits for people and the environment.; Projects under this strategy can
include planting shade trees,restoring native plants and wetlands to capture stormwater,and deploying
other green infrastructure solutions that often have the co-benefit of reducing GHG emissions.
Communities also may incorporate vegetation or similar natural features into traditional infrastructure.
Strategy 2: Mobility and Transportation Options for Preventing Air Pollution and Improving
Public Health and Climate Resilience
Many disadvantaged communities lack access to affordable low- or zero-emission transportation
options, leading to disproportionate difficulties in daily life, limiting access to educational and
Applicants may use the White House's`ature-Based Solutions Resource Guide as a resource for integrating nature-
based solutions.
economic opportunities, and creating vulnerability to climate risks. Strategy 2 focuses on providing
community members with access to low-and zero-emission technologies to improve their overall health
and well-being, reduce emissions, and increase access to important community destinations such as
schools, workplaces, health care centers, and community spaces. Projects funded under this strategy
may include installing protected bike lanes or walking paths,supplying traditional or electric bikes to
community members,and deploying other low-or zero-emission transportation solutions.The impact
of such projects could include improved public health outcomes, reduced GHG emissions from the
transportation sector, more equitable access to community resources, increased community
connectivity and safety,and greater community resilience to extreme weather events.
Strategy 3:Energy-Efficient,Healthy,and Resilient Housing and Buildings
Residential and commercial buildings are a significant source of GHG emissions due to the large
amounts of electricity consumed for heating, cooling, lighting, and other similar functions. Many
disadvantaged communities also face a disproportionately high energy burden, defined as the
percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs.Many factors can influence high energy
burden,including higher-cost fuels,such as propane or other bottled fuels,and energy-inefficient homes
due to a lack of insulation in older homes or older appliances. Strategy 3 supports investments in low-
and zero-emission technologies and energy efficiency upgrades that can help decarbonize residential
and commercial buildings,decrease energy burden,and increase resilience for communities.Many of
these activities also contribute to positive public health outcomes by improving indoor air quality and
the safety and comfort of buildings. Co-benefits associated with this strategy can be maximized by
combining additional Climate Action and Pollution Reduction Strategies to improve indoor air quality
and/ or produce additional resiliency benefits. This strategy can support a range of residential and
commercial buildings, including single-family homes, multi-family housing buildings, small
businesses, community health facilities, community centers, nonprofit offices, schools, and other
similar community-serving buildings.
Strategy 4:Microgrid Installation for Community Energy Resilience
Many disadvantaged communities suffer from unreliable access to electricity, a problem that is
becoming more acute due to increased heating and cooling demands during extreme weather events
driven by climate change.Strategy 4 supports the installation of microgrids powered by low-and zero-
emission renewable energy to improve electric reliability, enhance overall energy efficiency, reduce
emissions of GHG and other air pollutants, and build a community's capacity to prepare for and
withstand power disruptions. The U.S. Department of Energy defines microgrids as "a group of
interconnected loads and distributed energy resources within clearly defined electrical boundaries that
acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid." A microgrid can operate autonomously
when disconnected from the grid or when there is no grid to connect to, such as in some remote
communities.When connected and operated with the grid, a microgrid can provide grid ancillary
services.
Strategy 5: Community Resilience Hubs
Many disadvantaged communities lack the resources to evacuate in a safe and timely manner when
disaster strikes or is imminent. Strategy 5 supports the creation of, or upgrades to, community-level
resilience hubs, which are public-serving spaces that provide shelter and essential services during
extreme weather,natural hazards,or other events causing or contributing to an emergency or disaster,
such as dangerous wildfire woodsmoke,toxic releases, industrial fires,or similar hazardous chemical
incidents. These community-level resilience hubs can also serve as community-convening spaces that
provide educational activities and related emergency and disaster preparedness resources to community
residents year-round.
Strategy 6:Brownfield Redevelopment for Emissions Reduction and Climate Resilience
Many disadvantaged communities contain brownfield sites that impede economic development.
Redeveloping brownfields provides an opportunity to make investments that contribute to community
revitalization,resilience,and GHG emissions reduction. Redeveloping brownfield sites also supports
infill development that significantly reduces residential vehicle use and the associated GHG emissions.
Strategy 6 supports the redevelopment of brownfield sites that have already been cleaned up,or where
a site assessment indicates that cleanup is not necessary for reuse.These projects should seek to improve
energy efficiency through investments in low- and zero-emission technologies, integrate climate
resiliency,and I or mitigate climate change impacts while also promoting economic development and
improving public health for residents. Examples could include construction of a public park or
partnering on a LEED Certified low-income housing project on a former brownfield site.
Note:Projects funded under this Climate Action Strategy must be performed on sites where cleanup is
complete or where the site does not require any cleanup activities for the intended use or reuse of the
site.
Strategy 7:Waste Reduction and Management to Support a Circular Economy
Disadvantaged communities often bear the brunt of environmental contamination from improper
disposal of physical waste, or from disposal in landfills adjacent to those communities. This strategy
supports circular economy' activities and promotes sustainable use of natural resources to keep
materials and products in circulation for as long as possible, resulting in the reduction of GHG
emissions and other pollution across a product's lifecycle. Examples of these projects may include
efforts to reduce food waste(e.g.,composting,anaerobic digestors),or to promote the reduction,reuse,
and recycling of disaster debris,construction and demolition debris,and other materials and products.
Project activities should demonstrate that they will result in materials being diverted from end-disposal
facilities(e.g., landfills,incinerators)to reduce GHG emissions,toxic air pollution,and soil and water
pollution.
Strategy 8: Workforce Development Programs for Occupations that Reduce Greenhouse Gas
Emissions and Air Pollutants
Individuals in disadvantaged communities often lack pathways into fast-growing and well-paying job
opportunities related to environmental and climate justice. This strategy allows applicants to propose
workforce development programs to enable individuals in these communities to pursue career pathways
in fields related to the reduction of GHG emissions and other air pollutants. Strong workforce
development proposals should include all three of the following features,as detailed in Appendix C:
(1)multi-sectoral partnerships that bring together workforce expertise and enable pathways into high-
quality careers that help reduce GHG emissions and other air pollutants; (2) high-quality training
models,such as pre-apprenticeships or Registered Apprenticeship Programs,that are worker-centered,
demand-driven, and lead to good jobs that help reduce GHG emissions and other air pollutants; and
(3)strategies for recruiting and retaining individuals from disadvantaged communities, especially for
populations that face barriers to employment.Given that workforce development opportunities can be
significant to achieving environmental and climate justice in many communities, EPA anticipates
making a minimum of fifteen awards for high-ranking applications that include a workforce training
program as further described in Section V.E. Note that it is a statutory requirement that workforce
development activities funded under this program be focused specifically on reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and other air pollutants.
A circular economy keeps materials,products,and services in circulation for as long possible.
„..:9'.b
Requirement 2. Pollution Reduction Strategies: Applications must include at least one project aligned
with at least one of the Pollution Reduction Strategies identified below. When addressing the strategy in
their application, applicants should describe relevant challenges faced in the Project Area and how the
selected Pollution Reduction Strategy(ies)will address those challenges.Each Pollution Reduction Strategy
outlined below is focused on pollution monitoring,prevention,and remediation of quantifiable and health-
harming pollutants.
Applications that include activities to increase monitoring capabilities or raise community awareness of
pollution must also include an associated remediation,implementation,or infrastructure pollution reduction
project that addresses the identified pollution issue.
Examples of project activities and guidelines associated with the strategies can be found in Appendix D.
While applicants may select from among the examples in the Appendix,applicants may also submit other
types of project activities as long as they are consistent with a Pollution Reduction Strategy described in
Section I.G of the NOFO and are eligible for funding under§138(b)(2)of the CAA.
Strategy 1:Indoor Air Quality and Community Health Improvements
Disadvantaged communities often face high levels of indoor air pollution from several sources,
including mold, lead paint, radon, asbestos, fossil fuel combustion, and pollution from outdoors that
seeps inside. These pollutants can have a detrimental impact to human health, particularly for
vulnerable populations including children,the elderly,and people with health conditions like asthma
and heart disease.'Activities under Strategy I can include education on air toxins/toxics and how to
monitor them(e.g.,curriculum development,outreach strategies,public education activities)and direct
assessment and remediation to reduce harmful air pollution (e.g., installation of filtration systems,
building retrofits that address multiple sources of pollution, replacement of wood heaters that do not
meet EPA standards,asbestos abatement in schools).
Strategy 2:Outdoor Air Quality and Community Health Improvements
Outdoor air pollution from mobile and stationary sources can compromise human health and the
environment in many ways, including by triggering asthma attacks and heart attacks, exacerbating
respiratory disease,and causing children and adults to miss school and work on bad air days.Activities
funded under Strategy 2 could include: funding the purchase, upgrade, and / or maintenance of
equipment and technology to allow for the inspection, testing, monitoring, and sampling of air
pollution;purchasing equipment that limits community exposure to outdoor air pollutants;and reducing
exposure to near-road pollution, pollution from airports and ports, and mobile source pollution. This
could include land use and zoning policies that enable households to live in affordable, dense, and
vibrant communities within urban and rural areas. These activities can be bolstered by educating the
public on air toxins/toxics and how to monitor them(e.g.,curriculum development,outreach,public
education),and communication of air pollution assessment results to reduce exposure,including during
environmental emergencies or events where the risk of pollution exposure is high.
Strategy 3: Clean Water Infrastructure to Reduce Pollution Exposure and Increase Overall
System Resilience
Disadvantaged communities often lack access to clean water and clean drinking water.Functional water
infrastructure is essential for protecting the quality of drinking water resources as well as the safety of
recreational waters communities use for subsistence fishing,swimming, and other activities everyone
deserves to enjoy. Strategy 3 addresses challenges communities face in accessing clean, reliable
drinking water and wastewater treatment. Projects funded under this strategy may include focused
6 Indoor AtrQuality ttLAO).
infrastructure investments that can be completed within the three-year project period and within the
funding amounts specified in this NOFO, as well as assessment and planning that will enable
communities to better access tens of billions of dollars in federal water infrastructure funding from
other sources such as EPA's Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. Targeted
infrastructure projects can include identification and replacement of lead pipes in homes and public
spaces, improved resilience of water systems through deployment of backup power such as onsite
renewable energy and storage,targeted efficiency upgrades, septic to sewer conversions, lining waste
lagoons,and investments in redundancy such as backup wells. Assessment and planning efforts could
include, for example, a leak detection and pipe replacement plan, or a PFAS monitoring program that
informs a funding application to one of several sources of state and federal funding.
Strategy 4: Safe Management and Disposal of Solid and Hazardous Waste
Disadvantaged communities are disproportionately exposed to solid and hazardous waste, which
negatively impacts public health. This strategy supports pollution prevention, recycling, and disposal
activities related to the management of solid and hazardous waste,such as discarded electronics,tires,
single-use plastics, and other disposable items. Community-level responses to these challenges could
include,for example,the purchase of equipment and the development of facilities to manage solid and
hazardous waste to improve public health outcomes. Brownfields cleanup is not contemplated under
this strategy and is not a Community Change Grants program priority.
Requirement 3. Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan: Track I applications
must include a Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan. Successful implementation
of environmental and climate justice projects requires relationships and meaningful engagement among an
ecosystem of community leaders and members alongside partners across many sectors.This plan is required
to help ensure that grant activities are driven and informed by the views of the Project Area community and
are accomplished through collaboration among key stakeholders. The plan should describe how the
applicant will engage,educate,and be responsive to community members throughout project development
and /or implementation. Additionally, the plan should incorporate a Collaborative Governance Structure
that demonstrates how the Lead Applicant and Collaborating Entities (as described in Section 111 ) will
work together to successfully implement the grant in a timely,effective,and equitable manner.
The Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan cannot exceed 10 single spaced pages—
excess pages will not be reviewed. It should address the following elements and any others the applicant
deems relevant to their projects:
• Past Community Outreach and Engagement Conducted: The applicant should demonstrate
what outreach and engagement methods were used to engage with the Project Area community,
including any with specific neighborhoods or groups, and how this impacted the selection of the
strategies and associated projects as well as the applicant's implementation approach.
• Community Engagement Plan Implementation: The applicant should demonstrate the specific
community engagement methods, as well as how they will mitigate barriers and involve relevant
governmental stakeholders,necessary to support overall implementation including:
o Clear Methods for Engagement and Transparency: The applicant should describe the
following elements:
• Outreach methods that provide opportunities for broad and diverse community
member involvement in project development and / or implementation and
feedback during grant performance.
• Transparent mechanisms that will promote meaningful accountability to the needs
and preferences of residents in the Project Area.
• Mechanism(s)that will be used to continuously inform the community before and
during project implementation on project status,benefits available to them through
the project,and indicators being tracked,such as air quality improvements or trees
planted.
o Mitigating Barriers: The applicant should describe measures to minimize and mitigate
barriers around community engagement and participation in project development and/or
implementation including but not limited to those related to linguistic differences,
communication challenges,disabilities,inaccessible technology,lack of trust or awareness,
transportation,childcare,and elderly/adult care.'
o Government Involvement: As applicable, the applicant should demonstrate the support
and involvement of government agencies needed to facilitate successful grant performance.
For example,projects that intersect with local-government authorities such as permitting,
planning,and zoning are encouraged to demonstrate the involvement and cooperation of
local government authorities.
• Collaborative Governance Structure: The applicant should provide details regarding the roles
and responsibilities of the Lead Applicant,Collaborating Entities,and community residents and/
or community-selected representatives for implementing, managing, and overseeing the
application's project activities, including how they should meet regularly to discuss project
implementation.The description should include at a minimum:
o Outreach methods to solicit community representatives and processes to choose
representatives to enable a broad cross-section of community representatives to participate
so different voices are heard.
o An explanation of how the Lead Applicant and Collaborating Entities will coordinate with
each other and community members to inform and engage the community on project
development and progress.
o An outline of the planned decision-making processes between the Lead Applicant and
Collaborating Entities, including procedures to ensure that decisions are transparent and
can be made in an expedited manner when necessary.
o Processes for replacing a Collaborating Entity to ensure that the replacement entity has
comparable skills, qualifications, expertise, community support, and experience to avoid
any adverse impact on grant performance. EPA approval of the qualifications,expertise,
and experience of the replacement Collaborating Entity will be required pursuant to 2 CFR
200.3081(2)and/I(cx6).
Note: Awards may include terms and conditions requiring that subaward agreements between the Lead
Applicant and Collaborating Entities (including the Statutory Partner described in Section !ILA) contain
provisions reflecting certain of the requirements above.
Requirement 4. Community Strength Plan: Track [ applications must include a Community Strength
Plan.Advancing environmental and climate justice requires bolstering the strength and economic prosperity
of a community for the benefit of local residents,while also ensuring those residents can remain within the
community and benefit from the investments over the long term. Executive Order 14096,Revitalizing Our
Nation's Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, states, "Advancing environmental justice will
require investing in and supporting culturally vibrant,sustainable,and resilient communities in which every
person has safe,clean,and affordable options for housing,energy,and transportation. It is also necessary
to prioritize building an equitable,inclusive,and sustainable economy that offers economic opportunities.
Refer to the EPA Office of Grants and Debarment Guidance on Selected Items of Cost for Recipients,EPA Guidance
on Participant Support Costs,and EPA Subaward Frequent Questions,including for additional information on paying
for light refreshments,providing dependent care stipends or services for community meeting participants,and meeting
participant transportation stipends.
•
.s • _ �
Pursuing these and other objectives integral to advancing environmental justice can successfully occur only
through meaningful engagement and collaboration with underserved and overburdened communities to
address the adverse conditions they experience and ensure they do not face additional disproportionate
burdens or underinvestment."
In alignment with this Executive Order and to help EPA assess whether the proposed projects will benefit
disadvantaged communities, as required by §138(bxl) of the CAA, this plan should describe how the
projects in the application are intended to(1)maximize the economic benefits of the projects for existing
residents in the Project Area, and(2)avoid unintended consequences for existing residents in the Project
Area including the displacement of residents in the Project Arca.
This plan cannot exceed 5 single-spaced pages—excess pages will not be reviewed. Consistent with the
above discussion,the plan should address the following elements.
1.Maximizing Economic Benefits of Projects:
The plan should describe how the projects included in the application will maximize economic benefits
for individuals in the Project Area,including priority populations defined in footnote 3.
Examples of economic benefits,as described below,could include(1)opportunities for local small
businesses or contractors;(2)jobs for community members;(3)financial savings for residents;and other
similar benefits, in alignment with EPA grant regulations and applicable law.'
• Business Opportunities: Applicants may need to hire contractors to carry out certain project
activities. Applicants may inform local businesses of open solicitations and encourage them to
compete for contracts. For example, applicants may consider partnering with their local
government's small business office to broadly advertise contracting opportunities. Similarly,
applicants should make a"good faith effort"to provide disadvantaged business enterprises(DBEs)
with an opportunity to compete for contracts in accordance with EPA's 40 CFR Part 33
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise rule.'
• Job Opportunities:Applicants may propose measures to facilitate the employment and retention
of workers from disadvantaged communities on funded projects. For example, applicants may
propose developing recruitment strategies in partnership with their local workforce development
board; funding supportive services for workers on grant-funded projects (e.g., transportation,
childcare, mental health supports), coordinating such services with local social service providers;
or establishing goals for hiring individuals from disadvantaged communities on the projects and
transparently tracking progress toward those goals.Applicants may propose measures to increase
community awareness of these job opportunities and the associated skill requirements, such as
hiring workshops or job fairs. Applicants may also describe specific measures that will ensure
Project Area residents are developing skills that are necessary to take advantage of existing or future
jobs in professions contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions and other air pollutants.
Note that applicants are not bound by statutory or administrative local-preference requirements, per 2 CFR
200.319(c).
e Note: Please carefully review Section IV.d, "Contracts and Subawards," of EPA's Solicitation Clauses that are
incorporated by reference in this NOFO in Section 1.J.EPA expects recipients of funding to comply with competitive
procurement contracting requirements.The Agency does not accept justifications for sole source contracts for services
or products available in the commercial marketplace based on a contractor's role in preparing an application or a firm
or individual's "unique" qualifications. For example, applicants cannot name local contractors as part of this
Community Strength Plan without adhering to these competitive procurement requirements.
Note: Jobs funded under this program should be high-quality jobs, in alignment with the U.S.
Department of Labor and Commerce's Good Jobs Principles, as described in Appendix E.
Applicants may propose measures to increase the likelihood that these will be good jobs for
individuals from disadvantaged communities,such as training for employers/contractors on grant-
funded projects to promote best practices such as equal opportunity recruitment and hiring
practices, good benefits, healthy organizational culture, and opportunities for advancement.
Additionally, jobs for construction activities funded under this grant will be required to pay
prevailing wage rates,as required by CAA§314 and the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts.
• Financial Savings: Applicants may also describe how and the extent to which Project Area
residents will receive direct economic benefits from the Climate Action and Pollution Reduction
projects in the applications,such as through energy bill savings or affordable zero-or low-emission
transportation solutions.The plan may also discuss how the applicant plans not only to deliver these
benefits for residents in the short-term but also to preserve them for the long-term.As an example,
applicants working on a transportation project that will deliver immediate cost savings for residents
may negotiate with a vendor/contractor to lock-in long-term cost savings for community members.
Applicants may consider using tools to align stakeholders around these benefits, such as a Community
Benefits Agreement(CBA),which is a legally binding contract that defines benefits.Parties to a CBA may
include CBOs,neighborhood associations,local government entities,contractors and developers,and other
similar project stakeholders.Applicants are reminded of the three-year period of performance for the grant
and should be prepared to expeditiously begin the negotiation of community benefits to prevent project
delays.
2.Displacement Avoidance:
Benefits to disadvantaged communities can be evaluated by whether residents are able to retain the benefits
of EPA-funded projects over the short and long-term. While climate action and pollution reduction can
have a positive impact on a community,those benefits can also lead to unintended consequences,such as
increased costs of living in a Project Area.Given that the purpose of CAA §I38 is to fund activities that
will benefit disadvantaged communities,applicants should describe measures to increase the likelihood that
existing community members of the Project Area will benefit from investments in both the immediate and
long term.
Applicants should discuss potential short-term and long-term risks associated with the proposed projects to
residents, small businesses, nonprofits, and other community members in the Project Area. Applicants
should assess and describe the community's vulnerability to rising costs attributable to the proposed
projects and assess potential impacts to households,small businesses,and other existing groups. Based on
the specific risks identified, applicants should describe measures for mitigating those risks as applicable.
Some measures can mitigate these displacement vulnerabilities in the short-term,whereas other measures
can have long-term impacts. For example,for projects that increase the energy efficiency of multi-family
housing facilities,and that may have the unintended effect of raising rents for those facilities,the approach
may focus on outreach/education to residents, such as information packets,tenant protection workshops
that feature information about tenant rights under applicable state and local laws, or other educational
activities. Other approaches may focus on securing commitments from landlords benefiting from EPA-
funded property improvements to extend affordable housing covenants or agree not to raise rents
unnecessarily.10 Applicants can also describe how they will work with relevant entities, such as local
governments, to create policies, plans, or programs to mitigate unintended impacts of the EPA-funded
investments.
Applicants should describe any work already underway in the Project Area that would mitigate these risks,
or existing policies,ordinances,or programs that are relevant.For example,an applicant could describe any
ordinances in the Project Area designed to expedite construction or availability of additional affordable
housing.Applicants can also describe any Climate Action and Pollution Reduction Strategies proposed as
part of this application that might help mitigate displacement risks by providing project co-benefits. For
example, a strategy that promotes increased housing density as a tool to reduce emissions could have the
co-benefit of reducing housing costs by increasing housing supply.
Requirement 5.Readiness Approach:Given the statutory requirement that all Community Change Grants
must be completed within three years, applicants must describe their approach for initiating grant
performance upon award,or generally within 120 days after award,in compliance with the requirements in
2 CFR Parts 200 and 1500,40 CFR Part 33 that apply to all EPA grants so they can successfully complete
the grant within the three-year period.
This includes addressing the readiness considerations listed below, and any others,that are applicable to
the projects and how they will be met.If any of the below considerations are not applicable,the application
should explain why not.
• Government Approvals: If government approval at any level (e.g., construction permits) is
necessary to implement or perform a project, the applicant must demonstrate that they have
obtained such approval. If such approval has not been obtained, then the applicant must
demonstrate how they will obtain it immediately after award, so it does not impede grant
implementation.
• Federal Requirements for Construction Projects: Applicants must demonstrate that they have
systems in place, or a plan to have such systems in place immediately after the grant award, to
comply with CAA§314 and the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts prevailing wage requirement,the
Build America Buy America domestic preference requirement, and other cross-cutting statutory
and Executive Order requirements that apply to Federally funded construction projects.
• Alignment with Existing Plans: Applicants must demonstrate that the project(s) in the Project
Area as defined in Appendix A are consistent with any community development,climate resilience,
or hazard mitigation plans,or other comparable government land use restrictions.
• Site Control: Applicants must demonstrate that they own or control the site where a project will
be performed or that they will have legally binding access or permission to the site so they can
perform the project(s).
• Operations and Maintenance: Applicants must describe their operations and maintenance plan
and financing approach for their project's infrastructure investments,if relevant,which may include
long-term service costs, fee structures,detailed indebtedness for all properties,and other relevant
information demonstrating how operations and maintenance of the investment will be assured
during and after the grant award.
10 Note that anyagreements must be in alignment
with local and state housing laws.For example,in some instances,
state or local law may allow a landlord to raise rents to compensate for increases in property taxes attributable to the
value of EPA funded improvements.
Requirement 6. Compliance Plan: Applicants must submit a Compliance Plan that describes how they
will:(i)ensure compliance with the grant's terms and conditions,including 2 CFR§200.302(b)(financial
management),2 CFR§200.303 (internal controls),and 2 CFR§200.332(requirements for pass-through
entities);and(ii)manage broader legal and compliance risks.
H. Funding Track II: Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance
Under this track, eligible applicants may submit projects, as described in CAA § 138(b)(2)(E), for
"facilitating engagement of disadvantaged communities in State and Federal advisory groups,workshops,
rulemakings, and other public processes."EPA has interpreted"other public processes"as encompassing
local,Tribal,and other governmental processes.All funded activities under this NOFO must comply with
federal,state,and local laws and regulations,including but not limited to:
1. 2 CFR 200.435(b), which restricts the use of grant funds to defend a recipient that is subject to a
criminal,civil or administrative proceeding against it commenced by any government for fraud or
similar offenses;
2. 2 CFR 200.435(g),which precludes the use of grant funds to prosecute claims against the federal
Government;and
3. 2 CFR 200.450(c), which restricts the use of federal funds by nonprofit organizations for certain
lobbying or electioneering activities but does not preclude the use of federal funds to promote
adoption of local ordinances,including those related to zoning.
4. 40 CFR Parts 5 and 7, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin
(including limited-English proficiency),disability,sex,and age by recipients and subrecipients of
federal financial assistance.
Track II Objectives
Section 138 of the CAA provides that grants may be awarded for the purpose of"facilitating engagement
of disadvantaged communities in State and Federal advisory groups, workshops, rulemakings, and other
public processes." Accordingly, Track II applications intend to build the capacity of communities and
governments to evaluate and redress environmental and climate injustices by giving disadvantaged
communities a meaningful voice in government decision-making processes. By supporting direct
participation of disadvantaged communities in the development and implementation of solutions,policies,
and programs,the Community Change Grants can help close equity gaps and redress environmental and
climate injustices.
Track II applications should focus on breaking down systemic barriers to community participation in
government processes impacting environmental and climate justice. This can be done by creating
engagement and feedback mechanisms with two-way communications between community members and
government decision-makers. Applications should focus on ways to provide disadvantaged communities
with information about issues that directly impact them,while simultaneously creating mechanisms for the
government to gather input to ensure community needs inform decision-making and are integrated into
government processes and policies.Applications in this track should strive to enable communities to play
a meaningful role in making and implementing decisions.
Effective projects should also involve partnerships between community organizations, governments,
philanthropic organizations, the private sector, and / or third-party facilitators and evaluators who can
support collaboration across sectors to facilitate the engagement of disadvantaged communities in
governmental decision-making processes.
Track Q Project Examples
The following are examples of activities that may be proposed under Track II. Applicants may expand or
refine these examples or submit projects that are not listed below if they demonstrate how they will facilitate
the engagement of disadvantaged communities in governmental processes.
Example 1.Educational and Training Programs
These projects prepare, train, and educate members of disadvantaged communities on how to engage in
government processes related to environmental and climate justice activities.
Examples of activities that could be performed under this type of project include but are not limited to:
• Creating a leadership development program that trains community members to identify
environmental and climate justice challenges, devise strategies to address them, and recommend
actions to governmental authorities. Example topics could include how to review public sector
budgets,navigate specific processes such as land-use ordinances or National Environmental Policy
Act(NEPA)reviews,and participate effectively in public meetings. The EPA EJ Academy is an
example of a type of project applicants may consider developing for their own community.
• Designing and implementing a training program to help members of disadvantaged communities
effectively participate in advisory boards,commissions, land use authorities, or other bodies that
involve community members in environmental and climate related policy making.
• Partnering with a government to develop and/or implement Equity Action Plans that identify and
address barriers to equity and opportunity and discrimination that disadvantaged communities may
face. Equity Action Plans should meaningfully incorporate community input and result in city-or-
statewide transformational, equitable change in environmental or climate related policies. For
informational purposes only, please find here a link to Equity Action Plans developed by federal
agencies that may help applicants with designing and preparing these types of projects.
Example 2.Environmental Advisory Boards(EABs)
These are projects that facilitate the engagement of disadvantaged communities in environmental decision-
making by establishing advisory councils,taskforces,or similar bodies to engage with government.These
boards should have regular meetings to create consistent opportunities for disadvantaged communities to
provide recommendations on actions government entities should take to address environmental and climate
justice challenges. These bodies should include members from disadvantaged communities,may include
additional representatives from other stakeholder groups that can effectively represent important and related
perspectives(including Tribal,academia,youth/elderly/disability populations,government,etc.).
Examples of activities under an EAB-type project may include but are not limited to facilitating the
engagement and involvement of disadvantaged communities in governmental processes at different levels
of government to provide input,recommendations,and advice on matters such as:
• Permitting decisions for factories or industrial sites.
• Community infrastructure upgrades to address pollution and climate concerns.
• Zoning and siting guidance for fence-line!frontline communities"such as new school placements.
highway construction,and industrial and commercial uses of land.
A fence-line community or frontline community is generally one immediately adjacent to high polluting facilities
such as industrial parks,manufacturing facilities,or commercial facilities and is directly affected by the noise,odors,
traffic,and chemical and pollution emissions of the operations of these entities.
• Issues and actions of municipal and public utilities related to workforce development, drinking
water shutoffs, drinking water quality and affordability, and aging wastewater treatment
infrastructure in/near disadvantaged communities.
Example 3.Collaborative Governance Activities
These are projects that facilitate the process of providing recommendations and implementing decisions
that will benefit disadvantaged communities. Projects can focus on creating collaborative bodies with
members from and/or representing the interests of disadvantaged communities,governmental entities,and
other stakeholders to work on environmental and climate justice issues.
Functions these bodies may focus on include co-producing solutions with disadvantaged communities to
identify and address environmental issues. This could be done through obtaining feedback from a wide
range of experts and stakeholders, including but not limited to those working in public health, housing,
economic development, environmental justice, and other relevant fields, to identify environmental and
directly related public health issues,develop solutions,and then work towards implementing the ideas with
the necessary parties.
Examples of activities under a collaborative governance project may include but are not limited to
facilitating the engagement and involvement of disadvantaged communities in governmental processes on
matters such as:
• Participating in the development of one or more community benefits agreements to help ensure that
environmental projects funded by federal, state, and/or private entities meaningfully engage and
account for community needs. For informational purposes only, the resource here from the
Department of Energy provides information that may help applicants with designing and preparing
these types of projects.
• Creating a governance body or "development community" for a brownfields post-cleanup
redevelopment project.'
• Creating a source water protection plan to protect public health and reduce burdens on water
systems.
• Recommending organizational changes to government entities that make them more receptive and
sensitive to the environmental and climate justice concerns of disadvantaged communities.
Example 4.Participation in Governmental Funding and Budgeting Processes
These are projects that use participatory budgeting to inform public spending on environmental priorities.
Participatory budgeting is an approach to making decisions about governmental spending that is focused
on meaningfully and deeply engaging the community in governmental funding processes. Projects can
enable community-based organizations to partner with a public entity to design and implement processes
whereby members of disadvantaged communities have input into, and influence,decisions about how to
allocate public budgets for environmental and climate justice priorities. An example of a project using
participatory budgeting could involve designing a program where the community identifies problems,
evaluates proposals,and recommends decisions for public funding of projects that implicate environmental
and climate justice issues.
"-U.S.Department of Health&Human Services. Build a Development Community.
I. EPA Strategic Plan Linkage. Anticipated Outputs. Outcomes & Performance Measures
1. Strategic Plan Linkage
Awards made under this NOFO will support the following goals and objectives of the FY 2022-2026 EPA
Strategic Plan.Applications must explain how their projects will further these goals and objectives.
Goal 2:Take Decisive Action to Advance Environmental Justice and Civil Rights
• Objective 2.1: Promote Environmental Justice and Civil Rights at the Federal,Tribal,State,and
Local Levels which includes the strategy of Building Community Capacity and Climate Resilience
and Maximizing Benefits to Overburdened and Underserved Communities: EPA will increase
support for community-led action by providing unprecedented investments and benefits directly to
communities with environmental justice concerns and by integrating equity throughout Agency
programs.
Depending on the projects included in them, awards will also support and advance the following EPA
Strategic Plan Goals as applicable:
• Goal 1:Tackle the Climate Crisis
• Goal 4:Ensure Clean and Healthy Air for All Communities
• Goal 5:Ensure Clean and Safe Water for All Communities
• Goal 6:Safeguard and Revitalize Communities;and
• Goal 7: Ensure Safety of Chemicals for People and the Environment.
2. Environmental Results: Outputs and Outcomes
Pursuant to EPA Order 5700.7A I. Environmental Results under Assistance Agreements,applicants must
describe the environmental outputs and outcomes to be achieved under the award. Applicants should
specifically describe the environmental results of the proposed project in terms of well-defined outputs and,
to the maximum extent practicable, well-defined outcomes that will demonstrate how the project will
contribute to the goals and objectives of the Community Change Grants program.
The following questions may be useful to consider when developing output and outcome measures of
quantitative and qualitative results:
• What measurable short-and longer-term results will the grant achieve?
• How will the Lead Applicant and Collaborating Entities measure progress in achieving the expected
results (including outputs and outcomes), and how will the approach to measuring progress use
resources effectively and efficiently?
• Are the projected outputs and outcomes specific and detailed? Are specific target measures
included where possible?Are target measures reasonable and achievable within the project period
and for the funding amount?
See Appendix F for further details on expected outputs and outcomes from Track I and II awards.
3. Performance Measurement Plan
The evaluation component of the Community Change Grants is essential. In their Performance
Measurement Plan, applicants should describe how they plan to track and measure their project
implementation and progress towards achieving the expected outputs and outcomes. including those
identified in Appendix F,throughout the performance period.
Generally, higher quality performance measurement plans include specific target metrics for both outputs
and outcomes. The applicant's performance measurement plan should help gather insights, will be a
mechanism to track progress toward output and outcome objectives, and may provide the basis for
developing lessons learned to inform future funding recipients.
Applicants should incorporate program evaluation activities from the outset of their program design and
implementation to meaningfully document and measure their progress towards meeting project goals.
Applications may include funding in the budget for personnel with expertise in planning, designing,
developing,implementing,and evaluating programs.
J. Additional Provisions for Applicants Incorporated into the NOFO
Additional provisions that apply to Sections III, IV, V,and VI of this NOFO and/or awards made under
this NOFO can be found at EPA Solicitation Clauses.These provisions are important for applying to this
NOFO,and applicants must review them when preparing applications for this NOFO. If you are unable to
access these provisions electronically at the website above, please email CCGPa�epa.gov to obtain the
provisions.
Section II. Federal Award Information
(hack to the Table of Contents)
A. Number and Amount of Awards
EPA anticipates awarding approximately$2 billion in funding through this NOFO depending on funding
availability, quality of applications received, EPA priorities,and other applicable considerations. Awards
under Track I are expected to be between$10-20 million each and cannot exceed$20 million.Awards under Track
II are expected to be between$1-3 million each and cannot exceed$3 million.EPA expects to award approximately
$1.96 billion for about 150 Track I awards,including those under the Target Investment Areas described below in
B, and approximately $40 million for about 20 Track Il awards. These amounts are estimates only, and EPA
reserves the right to increase or decrease the total number of awards and funding amounts for each Track
contingent on the quality of applications received, the amount of funds awarded to selected applicants,
budget availability, and / or agency priorities and programmatic considerations. In addition, given that
workforce development programs as described in Section I.G can be significant to achieving environmental
and climate justice in many communities, EPA anticipates making a minimum of fifteen awards for high-
ranking applications that include a workforce training program(s)as further described in Section V.E.
[ B. Target Investment Areas (TIA) for Track I Applications
Out of the$2 billion in funding.EPA has identified five Target Investment Areas(TIA)listed below to help ensure
that communities with unique circumstances, geography, and needs can equitably compete for funding. The
amounts are estimates only and subject to change based on the number and quality of applications received,funding
considerations,and agency priorities.Applicants interested in submitting an application for projects benefitting a
TIA must identify this in their application.Consistent with the Track I evaluation process described in Section V,
applications for these areas will be evaluated against each other(for example, applicants for TIA C will be
evaluated against other applicants for TIA C).Applications for the TIAs must address the Track I application
requirements identified in Section E.G.
• TIA A:Tribes in Alaska:an estimated$150 million for projects benefitting Indian Tribes in Alaska.
• TIA B:Tribes in the Continental United States and Hawaii:an estimated$300 million for projects
benefitting Tribal communities outside Alaska This also includes projects benefitting Tribal
communities that are in the Border Area identified below in E.
• TIA C:Territories:an estimated$50 million for projects benefitting disadvantaged communities in
the United States' territories of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam,American Samoa, and the
Northern Mariana Islands.
• TIA D: Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities: an estimated $50 million for projects
benefitting disadvantaged unincorporated communities as defined in Appendix A.
• TIA E: United States (U.S). — Southern Border Communities: Consistent with EPA's
longstanding approach to addressing transborder climate and pollution challenges,an estimated
$100 million for projects benefitting non-Tribal disadvantaged communities within 100 kilometers
north of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Special Requirements for Cross-Border Projects to Benefit U.S.Disadvantaged Communities
EPA's strong preference is that the work for all projects to be performed under the awards made through
this NOFO will be performed entirely within the United States.However,in limited circumstances,projects
to benefit U.S. disadvantaged communities near an international border may require some international
work to be performed within 100 kilometers of that border(e.g.,within 100 km south of the U.S.-Mexico
I
P.
border for a TIA E application,or within 100 km north of the U.S.-Canada border for any application). In
those limited cases, to be eligible for funding consideration, the applicant must demonstrate in their
application that:
• The project(s)will directly and predominantly benefit disadvantaged communities in the U.S., for
example by monitoring and/or preventing pollution from an international source that is impacting
the disadvantaged community in the U.S.
• Any work outside of the U.S. is necessary for the project(s) to be successful in benefitting the
disadvantaged communities in the U.S.—e.g.,the project(s)will not be effective otherwise.
• Any work outside of the U.S.will not be a substantial part of the project.
• The applicant will ensure that any work outside of the U.S.will be timely and properly completed
and monitored to ensure it is effectively performed.
Failure to address how the application meets these conditions will render the application ineligible for
review as stated in Section III.D.Applications involving cross-border work that are selected for award must
address any cross-border work issues (e.g., site access and control) during the workplan negotiations
following selection and before award,The appropriate terms and conditions will be included in the grant.
Projects benefitting Project Areas along the U.S.-Mexico Border should be consistent with guidance and
best practices outlined by EPA's Border Program.13 'A
C. Rolling Application Submittal and Review Process. Application Award Limits, and
Application Resubmission Procedures
I. Applications may be submitted under this NOFO through November 21, 2024, to provide
applicants, to the maximum extent practicable, flexibility on when to submit an application.
Applications will be reviewed and evaluated on a rolling basis as described in Section V to facilitate
and expedite the review and award process. EPA cannot guarantee that funding will be available
through the end of the NOFO 12-month application period as funding availability is dependent on
the volume and quality of applications received, as well as other applicable programmatic and
funding considerations. As such, it is possible that funding could be exhausted before the
conclusion of the 12-month rolling application period.
2. Under this NOFO, Lead Applicants, as defined in Section [ILA. may submit a maximum of two
applications and receive up to two awards if they demonstrate their capacity and capabilities to
effectively perform,manage,oversee,and complete both awards within the three-year grant period
of performance. The two applications may be either two Track I applications or two Track II
applications,or one of each. Lead Applicants who submit more than two total applications will be
asked to withdraw the excess one (s). EPA will not review more than two applications from any
one Lead Applicant.
3. Lead Applicants whose initial eligible application(s) is not selected for funding may,after timely
requesting and receiving a debriefing on the application(as described in the Section VI Debriefings
and Disputes clauses included in the EPA Solicitation Clauses),resubmit a revised application one
additional time while the NOFO remains open. For example, if a Lead Applicant submits two
eligible applications and both are not initially selected for funding, they may resubmit each
application one additional time within the 12-month NOFO open period as explained above and
further below.There is no guarantee that resubmissions, even after a debriefing,will be selected
13 Lnited States—Mexico Environmental Program.
'4 L.S.-Mexico Border Program—Borderwide Resources.
{
for funding. In addition, applicants who submit applications towards the end of the 12-month
rolling period may not have an opportunity to resubmit the application because the NOFO is
expected to close for applications on November 21, 2024. While EPA intends to review
applications and provide debriefings as expeditiously as possible, applicants should keep this in
mind when determining the timing of their application submission to ensure there is sufficient time
for a resubmission.
4. The resubmitted application must be clearly identified as a resubmission of a previously submitted
application by providing the date of the original submission through www.grants.gov and/or the
date of the EPA debriefing in the updated application package.The resubmission should take into
consideration the feedback received during a debriefing and any other relevant considerations,and
it cannot be a completely different application from the one initially submitted.If EPA determines,
in its sole discretion, that it is a different application bearing little resemblance to the original
application,it may be rejected and not reviewed.
D. Conditional Awards
EPA may make conditional awards under this NOFO, which will be subject to applicable terms and
conditions in the grant award.
E. Period of Performance
The period of performance of every grant funded under this NOFO cannot by statute exceed three years.
There can be no extensions.Projects must be designed to be successfully and effectively completed within
three years. EPA anticipates that the first awards under this NOFO will be made in the late Spring of 2024
and will continue to be made on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.EPA cannot predict when funding
will be exhausted since it is dependent on the volume and quality of applications received,as well as other
applicable programmatic and funding considerations.As such,it is possible that funding could be exhausted
before the 12-month rolling application period is over.
F. Partial Funding
EPA reserves the right to partially fund applications by funding discrete portions or phases of applications.
If EPA decides to partially fund an application, it will do so in a manner that does not prejudice any
applicants or affect the basis upon which the application,or portion thereof,was evaluated and selected for
award, and therefore maintains the integrity of the competition and selection process. To facilitate
consideration of an application for partial funding,if applicable,EPA recommends that applications
separate costs for the proposed grant in the program budget by project category, to the extent
practicable.
G. Additional Awards
EPA reserves the right to make additional awards under this NOFO, consistent with EPA policy and
guidance, if additional funding becomes available after all the selections are made under this NOFO. For
this NOFO,this only applies to making additional awards for those applications considered during the final
monthly review,described in Section V.Any additional selections for awards will be made no later than 6
months after the final monthly review.
4,4
H. Funding type
EPA anticipates awarding cooperative agreements under this NOFO because it is expected that there will
be substantial Federal involvement through the EPA Project Officer with selected applicants in the
performance of the grant and for effective EPA oversight of grantee performance. Although EPA will
negotiate precise terms and conditions relating to substantial federal involvement as part of the award
process with each grantee awarded a cooperative agreement,the anticipated substantial federal involvement
may include:
• Closely monitoring the grantee's performance to verify the results reported by the applicant;
• Reviewing proposed procurement, in accordance with the Procurement Standards in 2 CFR Parts
200 and 1500;
• Reviewing evidence of completion of project phases(e.g.,planning)before providing approval for
the grantee to begin work on the next project phase(e.g., implementation);
• Reviewing the substantive terms of contracts,subawards,or other financial transactions(EPA will
not select contractors,subrecipients,or program beneficiaries);
• Approving qualifications of key personnel(EPA will not select employees or contractors employed
by the grantee);
• Reviewing and commenting on reports prepared under the cooperative agreement (the final
decision on the content of reports will rest with the grantee);and
• Addressing compliance with Build America,Buy America requirements,in accordance with 2 CFR
§ 184, and providing technical assistance, if necessary. on compliance with CAA § 314 and the
Davis-Bacon and Related Acts.
In addition, there may be Federal involvement with selected applicants in the performance of the grant,
which may include co-sponsoring community meetings and other events and collaborating during
performance of the scope of work.
Section III. Eligibility Information
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Note: Additional provisions that apply to this section of the NOFO can be found in the bPA Solicitation
Clauses.
A. Eligible Applicants
Consistent with CAA §138(hX3)and Assistance Listing 66,616, applicants eligible to apply and receive
grants under this NOFO are (1) a partnership between two community-based nonprofit organizations
(CBOs) as defined below, or (2) a partnership between a CBO and one of the following: a federally
recognized Tribe,a local government,or an institution of higher education.These types of partnerships for
eligibility purposes are known as Statutory Partnerships. Further eligibility requirements are described
below.
I. Community-Based Non-Profit Organization(CBO)
To qualify as a CBO for eligibility purposes,an organization must demonstrate that they are a"nonprofit
I organization"as defined at 2 CFR 200.1,which"means any corporation,trust,association,cooperative,or
other organization that is operated mainly for scientific,educational,service,charitable,or similar purpose
in the public interest and is not organized primarily for profit;and uses net proceeds to maintain,improve,
or expand the operation of the organization."
Applicants must include documentation in their application demonstrating that they are a nonprofit
organization by one of two ways: 1)a written determination by the Internal Revenue Service that they are
exempt from taxation under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code, or 2) based on a written
determination by the state,territory,commonwealth, Tribe,or other United States governmental entity in
which they are located.This can be done, for example, by submitting a letter, certificate, or articles of
incorporation from the state where the organization is located that recognizes them as a nonprofit
organization. Nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that
engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible
to apply. Foreign non-profit organizations cannot qualify as a CBO for eligibility purposes.
In addition to being considered a nonprofit organization,an organization must demonstrate that they are a
public or private nonprofit organization that supports and / or represents a community and/or certain
populations within a community through engagement, education, and other related services provided to
individual community residents and community stakeholders. A"community," for these purposes,can be
characterized by a particular geographic area and / or by the relationships among members with similar
interests and can be characterized as part of a local,regional,or national community where organizations
1 are focused on the needs of urban, rural, and/or Tribal areas, farmworkers, displaced workers, children
with high levels of lead,people with asthma,subsistence fishers,and other similar groups.For purposes of
this NOFO,the CBO must have a geographic presence or connection in,or relationship with,the specified
community that the projects are intended to benefit. For example, national or statewide CBOs must
demonstrate the CBO's connection to the community that will benefit from the grants.
For the purposes of this NOFO, applicants that demonstrate that they are Alaska Native Nonprofit
Organizations or Alaska Native Nonprofit Associations are considered CBOs. In addition, Inter-Tribal
Consortia may be able to qualify as CBOs if they meet the above requirements. The for-profit Alaskan
Native Corporations are not eligible under the CBO definition and therefore are unable to apply as CBOs.
1
2. Local Government(in partnership with a CBO)
The following units of government within a state,as defined by the regulations in 2 CFR 200.1,are eligible
to enter a Statutory Partnership with a CBO:
• County
• Borough
• Municipality
• City
• Town
• Township
• Parish
• Local public authority,including any public housing agency under the United States Housing Act
of 1937
• Special district
• School district
• Intrastate district
• Council of governments,whether incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law;and
• Any other agency or instrumentality of a multi-,regional,or intra-State or local government.
3. Federally Recognized Tribe(in partnership with a CBO)
For the purposes of eligibility for entering into a Statutory Partnership with a CBO,EPA uses the definition
of"Indian Tribe" in §302(r)of the CAA which provides that the term "...means any Indian Tribe, band,
nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village, which is Federally
recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians
because of their status as Indians."Note that this definition does not include Alaskan Native Corporations
or State-recognized Tribes.
4. Institutions of Higher Education(in partnership with a CBO)
For the purposes of eligibility for entering into a Statutory Partnership with a CBO,the grant regulations at
2 CFR 200.1 state that Institutions of Higher Education(IHEs)are defined at 20 U.S.C. : 1001.
EPA also recognizes that it is important to engage all available minds to address the environmental and
climate justice challenges the nation faces. Accordingly, EPA encourages Minority Serving Institutions
(MSIs)to participate in the grants under this NOFO,including by partnering with a CBO.
For purposes of this NOFO,the following are considered MSIs:
1. Historically Black Colleges and Universities,as defined by the Higher Education Act(20 U.S.C.§
1061(2)).A list of these schools can be found at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
2. Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), as defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. §
1059c(b)(3)and(dx1)).A list of these schools can be found at American Indian Tribally Controlled
Colleges and Universities.
3. Hispanic-Serving Institutions(HSIs),as defined by the Higher Education Act(20
U.S.C.§ 1101a(a)(5)).A list of these schools can be found at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
4. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions; (AANAPISIs), as
defined by the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1059g(bX2)). A list of these schools can be
found at Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions.
5. Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), as defined by the Higher Education Act of 2008, 20
U.S.C. § 1059e(bx6).A list of these schools can be found at Predominantly Black Institutions.
B. Statutory Partnership Requirements and Collaborating Entities
The Statutory Partnership application is comprised of a Lead Applicant (an eligible CBO, Federally
recognized Tribe, local government, or institution of higher education) who enters into a Partnership
Agreement with a Statutory Partner(which is another eligible entity—a CBO,Federally recognized Tribe,
local government, or institution of higher education)to carry out the grant activities if the application is
selected for funding.If the application is selected for award,the Lead Applicant will enter into a subaward
with the Statutory Partner that must contain the elements of the Partnership Agreement in Appendix B.The
Lead Applicant must include a copy of a written and signed Partnership Agreement with their application
to be eligible for funding consideration.
To ensure effective grant performance to meet the objectives of the Community Change Grants outlined in
Section I, subawards from the Lead Applicant to other entities to implement and perform specific grant
project activities identified in the application will be necessary.These other entities,including the Statutory
Partners,are collectively referred to as Collaborating Entities in the NOFO.Given the community centered
focus of the Community Change Grants,applications that do not include Collaborating Entities will likely
not score well during the evaluation process.Collaborating Entities may include Statutory Partners(CBOs,
Federally-recognized Tribes, local governments, and institutions of higher education) and entities that
cannot legally be Statutory Partners(e.g.,states,territorial governments,and international organizations).
However, for-profit firms and individual consultants or other commercial service providers cannot be
Collaborating Entities.Subawards made by the Lead Applicant and Collaborating Entities to implement the
project strategies and activities under the application must be made consistent with the grant regulations at
2 CFR 200.331 and as permitted in Appendix A of the EPA Subaward Policy.
If selected for award,the Lead Applicant will become the grantee, operating as a pass-through entity for
purposes of 2 CFR Part 200 and the EPA Subaward Policy,and taking responsibility for making subawards
to Collaborating Entities.The Lead Applicant will also be accountable to EPA for effectively carrying out
the full scope of work and the proper financial management of the grant(including the subawards it makes
under the grant,and contracts to consultants and procurement contractors selected in accordance with the
competitive procurement requirements in 2 CFR Parts 200 and 1500 as well as EPA's 40 CFR Part 33
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise rule).Additionally,as provided in 2 CFR§200.332,the Collaborating
Entities,and other subrecipients,will be accountable to the Lead Applicant for proper use of EPA funding.
Note that pursuant to 2 CFR§200.332(ax2),as implemented in Items 2 and 4 of EPA's Establishing and
Managing Subawards General Term and Condition,successful Lead Applicants in the Statutory Partnership
must ensure that the terms and conditions of the grant agreement"flow down"to all subrecipients in the
subawards. EPA has developed an optional template for subaward agreements,available in Appendix D of
the EPA Subaward Policy.
As noted above, Collaborating Entities cannot include for-profit procurement contractors or individual
consultants who may be involved in project performance but who receive procurement awards made in
compliance with the competitive procurement requirements in 2 CFR Parts 200 and 1500 and 40 CFR Part
33. Further information on procurement and distinguishing between subawards and procurement
transactions can be found in the Best Practice Guide for Procuring Services,Supplies,and Equipment Ender
EPA Assistance Agreements and in EPA Subaward Policy.
C. Cost-Sharing or Matching Funds
No cost-sharing or matching is required as a condition of eligibility under this NOFO.
D. Threshold Eligibility Criteria
Applications must meet the threshold eligibility criteria below to be considered for funding.Applications
that do not meet all the applicable threshold eli2ibilitv criteria will be deemed ineligible for funding
consideration and will not be considered further. If necessary, EPA may contact applicants to clarify
issues relating to threshold eligibility criteria compliance prior to making an eligibility determination. In
addition,applicants should contact EPA with any questions about the threshold eligibility criteria prior to
submission of their applications. Applicants whose applications are deemed ineligible for funding
consideration because of the threshold eligibility review will be notified within 15 calendar days of the
ineligibility determination.
Applications must meet the following threshold eligibility criteria to be considered eligible for funding under
this NOFO:
1. Applications must comply with the content and submission requirements listed below.
• Applications must substantially comply with the application submission instructions and
requirements set forth in Section IV of this NOFO or else they will be rejected. However,
where a page limit is expressed in Section IV with respect to the application, or parts
thereof,pages in excess of the page limitation will not be reviewed.Applicants are advised
that readability is of paramount importance and should take precedence in application
format,including selecting a legible font type and size for use in the application.
• In addition, initial applications must be submitted through Grants.gov as stated in Section
IV of this NOFO(except in the limited circumstances where another mode of submission
is specifically allowed for as explained in Section IV) on or before the application
submission deadline published in Section IV of this NOFO.Applicants are responsible for
following the submission instructions in Section IV of this NOFO to ensure that their
application is timely submitted. Please note that applicants experiencing technical issues
with submitting through Grants.gov should follow the instructions provided in Section IV,
which include both the requirement to contact Grants.gov and email a full application to
EPA prior to the deadline.
• Applications submitted outside of Grants.gov will be deemed ineligible without further
consideration unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate that it was due to EPA
mishandling or technical problems associated with Grants.gov or SAM.gov.An applicant's
failure to timely submit their application through Grants.gov because they did not timely
or properly register in SAM.gov or Grants.gov will not be considered an acceptable reason
to consider a submission outside of Grants.gov.
DO NOT 41 AIT' Register in SAM.goN. or Grants.goN as soon as possible. Finalizing these
registrations could take a month or more. You do not want a late registration to prevent you from
being able to properly submit your application through Grants.gov.
2. All applicants must meet the eligibility and statutory partnership requirements in III.A and include
a Partnership Agreement(See Appendix B)with the application.
3. All applications must demonstrate,as required by CAA § 138(b)(I),that the projects will benefit
disadvantaged communities as defined in Appendix A. While projects may have an incidental
T
benefit to census block groups or other areas that are not considered disadvantaged communities,
the applicant must demonstrate how all the projects in the application will primarily benefit
disadvantaged communities in the Project Area as defined in Appendix A.
4. Track I applications proposing to serve a geographically-defined community identified as
disadvantaged in Appendix A must submit a Project Area Map that defines which specific
disadvantaged community the projects and supporting activities will directly benefit.
5. Given the requirement under CAA§ 138(b)(t)that all grants must be completed within three years,
all applications must describe how the projects in the application,including any construction projects,
can be completed within three years of award.
6. All Track I applications must include projects under at least one Climate Action Strategy and at least
one Pollution Reduction Strategy as described in Section l.G.Track I applications also must include
a Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan, Community Strength Plan,
Readiness Approach,and Compliance Plan as described in Section I.G.
7. All Track I applications including a workforce development project under the Climate Action
Strategy must demonstrate how it will help reduce air pollutants and GHG emissions.
8. All Track I applications for projects under Climate Action Strategy 6:Brownfield Redevelopment,
must be performed on sites where cleanup is complete or where the site does not require any
cleanup activities for the intended use or reuse of the site,as well as meet the requirements stated
1 in Appendix C for Brownfields Redevelopment projects.
9. All Track I applications for Pollution Reduction activities to increase monitoring capabilities or
I raise community awareness of pollution must also include an associated remediation,
implementation,or infrastructure pollution reduction project that addresses the identified pollution
issue.
10. Track I applications cannot request more than$20 million in EPA funding and Track II applications
l cannot request more than $3 million in EPA funding. Applications requesting more than these
amounts will be rejected. If necessary, EPA will clarify any questions about the funding amounts
requested prior to application review.
II. A Track I application for a TIA defined in Section ILB can only address one TIA.An application
cannot address more than one TIA.
12. Track I applications submitted for TIA A benefitting Alaskan Tribal lands that include a project(s)
for the assessment and cleanup of sites covered by the Contaminated ANCSA Lands Assistance
Program must meet the relevant requirements specified in Appendix H.
13. Applications submitted for TIA E for U.S.-Southern Border Communities projects,as well as any
including projects that may include project activities within 100 km of a U.S.border as discussed
in Section 11.8,must meet the special requirements identified in Section II.B.
14. Written applications must be submitted in English only.Applications written in languages other than
English will not be reviewed or considered for award. If you need assistance to submit the written
application in English,technical assistance may be available. Please refer to Section I.E.
15. Multiple Applications. Lead Applicants may submit no more than two applications under this
NOFO,and receive no more than two awards,as explained in Section IL Excess applications will
not be reviewed. If a Lead Applicant submits more than two applications,they will be contacted
by EPA to determine which one(s)to withdraw.Notwithstanding this limitation,a Lead Applicant
may be a Statutory Partner or Collaborating Entity on other applications.
16. Resubmission. As stated in Section [LC, a resubmitted application must be clearly identified as a
resubmission of a previously submitted eligible application through such means as providing the date
of the original submission and/or date of the EPA debriefing. It cannot be a completely different
application from the one originally submitted. If EPA determines, in its sole discretion,that it is a
completely different application bearing little resemblance to the original application, it may be
rejected and not reviewed.
17. EPA will not consider any application that includes projects that are exclusively designed to
conduct scientific research. However, applications may include research components such as
building blocks for outreach, training, and program implementation projects. In such cases,
applications should clearly articulate this link, explain why the research is necessary for the
project's success,and ensure that such research does not already exist.
18. EPA will not consider any application requesting funding for assessment,removal,or remediation
of Superfund sites.
Note: If an application is submitted that includes any ineligible projects,tasks,or activities, including but
not limited to ones that EPA determines cannot be funded under the statutory/regulatory authorities for
the grant,that portion of the application will be ineligible for finding and may,depending on the extent to
which it affects the application,render the entire application ineligible for funding.This includes but is not
limited to projects requesting finding for relocation activities as described in Section 1.F.
Applicants who have any questions about whether their project can be funded under the statutory /
regulatory authorities for the grants and this NOFO, or whether certain costs related to the project are
allowable costs,should clarify the issue with EPA prior to submitting their application. Failure to do so
may result in the projects and/or costs being ineligible for funding and may impact the eligibility of the
entire application.
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
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Note: Additional provisions that apply to this section of the NOFO, including, those related to
Intergovernmental Review, can be found in the EPA Solicitation Clauses.
A. Requirement to Submit through Grants.gov and Limited Exception Procedures
Applicants must apply electronically through Grants.gov under this NOFO based on the grants.gov
instructions below. If your organization has no access to the interne or access is very limited, you may
request an exception from applying through Grants.gov for the remainder of this calendar year by following
the procedures outlined here.
Issues with submissions with respect to this NOFO only are addressed in section 3: Technical Issues with
Submission below.
1. SAM.gov(System for Award Management)Registration Instructions
Organizations applying to this funding opportunity must have an active SAM.gov registration. If you have
never done business with the Federal Government,you will need to register your organization in SAM.gov.
If you do not have a SAM.gov account,then you will need to create an account using login.gov to complete
your SAM.gov registration.
SAM.gov registration is FREE. The process for entity registration includes obtaining a Unique Entity ID
(UEI), a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned an entity by SAM.gov, and requires assertions,
representations and certifications,and other information about your organization. Please review the Entity
Registration Checklist for details on this process.
If you have done business with the Federal Government previously,you can check your entity status using
your government issued UEI to determine if your registration is active. SAM.gov requires you renew your
registration every 365 days to keep it active.
Please note that SAM.gov registration is different than obtaining a UEI only. Obtaining an UEI only
validates your organization's legal business name and address. Please review the Frequently Asked
Question on the difference for additional details.
Organizations should ensure that their SAM.gov registration includes a current e-Business(EBiz)point of
contact name and email address.The EBiz point of contact is critical for Grants.gov Registration and system
functionality.
Contact the Federal Sery ice Desk for help with your SAM.gov account,to resolve technical issues or chat
with a help desk agent:(866)606-8220.The Federal Service desk hours of operation are Monday—Friday
8am—8pm ET.
2.Grants.Gov Registration Instructions
Once your SAM.gov account is active, you must register in Grants.gov. Grants.gov will electronically
receive your organization information,such as e-Business(EBiz)point of contact email address and UEI.
Organizations applying to this funding opportunity must have an active Grants.gov registration.Grants.gov
registration is FREE. If you have never applied for a federal grant before, please review the Grants. ov
4
Applicant Registration instructions.As part of the Grants.gov registration process,the EBiz point of contact
is the only person that can affiliate and assign applicant roles to members of an organization. In addition,
at least one person must be assigned as an Authorized Organization Representative(AOR).
Only person(s) with the AOR role can submit applications in Grants.gov. Please review the Intro to
Grants.gov-Understanding User Roles and Learning Workspace—User Roles and Workspace Actions for
details on this important process.
Please note that registering in grants.gov for the first time can take a month or more for new registrants.
Applicants must ensure that all registration requirements are met to apply for this opportunity through
Grants.gov and should ensure that all such requirements have been met well in advance of the application
submission deadline.
Contact Grants.gov for assistance at 1-800-518-4726 or support2grants.gov to resolve technical issues
with Grants.gov.Applicants who are outside the U.S.at the time of submittal and are not able to access the
toll-free number may reach a Grants.gov representative by calling 606-545-5035.The Grants.gov Support
Center is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week,excluding federal holidays.
Application Submission Process
To begin the application process under this NOFO,go to Grants.gov and click the red "Apply" button at
the top of the view grant opportunity page associated with this opportunity.
The electronic submission of your application to this NOFO must be made by an official representative of
your organization who is registered with Grants.gov and is authorized to sign applications for Federal
financial assistance. If the submit button is grayed out.it may be because you do not have the appropriate
role to submit in your organization.Contact your organization's EBiz point of contact or contact Grants.gov
for assistance at 1-800-518-4726 or support'it grants.gov.
Applicants need to ensure that the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) who submits the
application through Grants.gov and whose UEI is listed on the application is an AOR for the applicant listed
on the application. Additionally, the UEI listed on the application must be registered to the applicant
organization's SAM.gov account. If not,the application may be deemed ineligible.
Application Submission Deadline
Your organization's AOR must submit your complete application package(including any resubmission as
explained in Section [LC) electronically to EPA through Grants.gov no later than November 21, 2024,at
11:59 PM ET. Please allow for enough time to successfully submit your application and allow for
unexpected errors that may require you to resubmit. Please see Section II and Section V describing the
rolling application submittal and review process for this NOFO.
Applications submitted through Grants.gov will be time and date stamped electronically. Please note that
successful submission of your application through Grants.gov does not necessarily mean your application
is eligible for award.Any application submitted after the application deadline time and date deadline will
be deemed ineligible and not considered.
3.Technical Issues with Submission
If applicants experience technical issues during the submission of an application that they are unable to
resolve,follow these procedures before the application deadline date:
a. Contact the Grants.gov Support Center before the application deadline date.
b. Document the Grants.gov ticket/case number.
c. Send an email with EPA-R-OEJECR-OCS-23-04 in the subject line to CCGP uepa.gov before
the application deadline time and include the following information:
i. Grants.gov ticket/case number(s)
ii. Description of the issue
iii. The entire application package in PDF format
Without this information, EPA may not be able to consider applications submitted outside of Grants.gov.
Any application submitted after the application deadline will be deemed ineligible and not be considered.
Please note that successful submission through Grants.gov or email does not necessarily mean your
application is eligible for award.
EPA will make decisions concerning acceptance of each application submitted outside of Grants.gov on a
case-by-case basis. EPA will only consider accepting applications that were unable to submit through
Grants.gov due to Grants.gov or relevant SAM.gov system issues or for unforeseen exigent circumstances,
such as extreme weather interfering with internet access. Failure of an applicant to submit the application
prior to the application submission deadline time and date because they did not properly or timely register
in SAM.gov or Grants.gov is not an acceptable reason to justify acceptance of an application outside of
Grants.gov.
4. Required Forms and Documents
The following forms and documents are required under this NOFO:
Mandatory Documents for Track I and Track II Applications
1. Application for Federal Assistance(SF-424)
2. Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs(SF-424A)
3. EPA Key Contacts Form 5700-54
4. EPA Preaward Compliance Review Report Form 4700-4 (Please see these `seful lips
for completing this form)
5. Project Narrative Attachment Form: Use this to prepare your Project Narrative as described
in Section I .B below.
6. Attachments: Use the "Other Attachments Form" in Grants.gov for the following additional
documents. These attachments are not subject to the page limitation that applies to the Project
Narrative identified below and some have their own page limitation as identified below:
• Attachments for Track I and Track II Applications:
o Attachment A: Program Budget Template(See below in Section 1 .B and
also optional template in Appendix G)
o Attachment B: Partnership Agreement(See Section, III.A and Appendix B)
o Attachment C: Any other documents or information not listed above, such
as an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement.
• Attachments for Track I Applications Only:
o Attachment D: Project Area Map as described in Appendix A.
o Attachment E:Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan
as described in Section I.G that does not exceed 10 single spaced pages-excess
pages will not be reviewed.
o Attachment F: Community Strength Plan as described in Section 1.G that
does not exceed 5 single spaced pages-excess pages will not be reviewed.
o Attachment G:Readiness Approach Information as described in Section I.G.
o Attachment H:Compliance Plan as described in Section I,G.
B. Content of Application Submission
Applicants should read the following sections very carefully.A complete application package includes the
forms and documents listed above in Section 1V.A.4:Required Forms and Documents, which includes the
materials further described below.
When preparing the content of their applications,and to ensure that their application materials address all
the evaluation criteria for Track I and II applications, applicants should review the evaluation criteria in
Section V.These criteria place increased emphasis on certain evaluation criteria that are integral to ensuring
that the application will advance environmental and climate justice,CCG objectives,and maximize benefits
to disadvantaged communities.
Note: Please see Section V for information on the Track I oral presentation process referenced in Section
I.D.
Project Narrative for Track I and II Applications
Below are the instructions for both Track I and Track[I applications. There are different instructions for
each track, so applicants should carefully read the instructions and contact EPA at CCGP aepa.go‘, with
any questions.
The Project Narrative for both application tracks are comprised of Sections A and B as described below for
each track and should include the information and content below. Applicants should ensure it includes
information addressing the relevant evaluation criteria in Section V for Track I or II applications and any
applicable threshold eligibility criteria in Section III.D including identifying and describing the
disadvantaged communities to benefit from the grants.
• The Project Narrative for Track I applications must not exceed twenty(20)single-spaced pages and
be on letter size pages(8 'A X 11 inches).Excess pages will not be reviewed.
• The Project Narrative for Track II applications must not exceed fifteen(15) single spaced pages
and be on letter size pages(8 '/2 X 11 inches).Excess pages will not be reviewed.
Applicants are encouraged to be concise and do not need to use all the pages within the page limit. Links
to external websites or content will not be reviewed or considered.Any pages beyond the page limitations
will not be reviewed by the Review Panel.It is recommended that applicants use a standard font(e.g.,Times
New Roman, Calibri, and Arial) and a 12-point font size with I- inch margins. While these guidelines
establish the acceptable type size requirements, applicants are advised that readability is of paramount
importance and should take precedence in selection of an appropriate font for use in the application. The
grant application forms and other attachments identified in Section IV.A.4: Required Forms and
Documents above are not included in the Project Narrative page limits
To assist EPA reviewers, applicants should reference the numbers and titles of the evaluation criteria in
their Project Narratives to help identify where the criteria are being addressed as applicable. A table is
included in Section V.A to show how the components relate to one another and to the evaluation criteria.
Applicants should contact EPA with any questions about the application content requirements.
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Track I Project Narrative
Track I applications consist of a Project Narrative with two sections as identified below: (A)
Executive Summary and (B) Project Workplan. Together these cannot exceed 20 pages as
described above.
Section A.Executive Summary
The Executive Summary should contain the elements below and should not exceed three pages.
• Application Title: Provide a name for the application.
• Lead Applicant:Name of the Lead Applicant.
• Statutory Partner to the Lead Applicant:Name of the Statutory Partner.
• Contact Information: Include a name,title,email address,and phone number for key personnel
for the Lead Applicant and,Statutory Partner.
• Eligibility: Describe how the Lead Applicant and Statutory Partner meet the eligibility
requirements in Section III.A of the NOFO.
• Climate Action Strategy: Specify which Climate Action Strategy(ies) is addressed in the
application.
• Pollution Reduction Strategy: Specify which Pollution Reduction Strategy(ies) is addressed in
the application.
• Grant Award Period and Completion: Provide estimated beginning and ending dates for the
period of performance for your proposed grant.Given the requirement under CAA§ 138(bx 1)that
all grants must be completed within three years,all applications must state how the projects in the
application,including any construction projects,can be completed within three years of award.
• Amount of EPA Funding Requested: See award sizes specified in section A.
• Target Investment Area: If the application is for a Target Investment Area as defined in Section
II.A,please identify which one.If the application is not for a Target Investment Area,put N/A.
• Disadvantaged Community to benefit from the projects: Identify and describe the
disadvantaged communities,as defined in Appendix A,intended to benefit from the projects in the
application.See Section II 1.D.3 for more detail.
• Other Sources of Funding:Briefly explain,to the extent you can,whether funding for the projects
in your application is available under the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act(IIJA),other IRA
programs, or other funding streams and if so your reasons for seeking funding for these projects
under this NOFO.Please also note the Duplicate Funding clause included in Section IV of the EPA
Solicitation Clauses incorporated by reference in this NOFO and referenced in Section V.E.
• Resubmission Status: Specify if the application is for a resubmission of a previously submitted
and reviewed application. If so,please identify the date of the original submission and the date of
EPA debriefing of the previously submitted application(See Section II.0 for further information
on the resubmission process).
Section B.Project Workplan
The Project Workplan should contain the elements below.
Part 1.Community-Driven Investments for Change
1.1 Community Vision Description.
I
• Community Description: Provide an overview of the community to benefit from the projects
in the application based on the Project Area map submitted and how they will benefit from the
projects. The community description should describe the community's resources,assets, local
community characteristics,and the type of benefits the grants will provide to the community.
• Community Challenges:Describe the needs and challenges the community in the Project Area
is facing, including climate impacts, climate change risks / exposures, and / or localized
pollution. Describe the impact of these challenges on the community, and particularly on
priority populations within the Project Area who are acutely exposed to and impacted by
climate, pollution, and weather-related threats, and / or who exhibit acute vulnerabilities or
susceptibilities to the impacts of environmental pollution. See footnote 3 for more information
on priority populations.
• Community Vision: Articulate a vision for the impact and benefits the grant would have on
the community in the near and long term, including the effect it will have on reducing and
preventing pollution; building resilience to climate change and mitigating current and future
climate risks;; creating high-quality jobs and expanding economic opportunity through
workforce development; and bolstering community strength by insuring that local residents
receive the benefits of investments and have the opportunity to build on them for current and
future generations.
1.2 Selected Strategies: As described in Section I.G,applications must address at least one Climate
Action Strategy and at least one Pollution Reduction Strategy.Accordingly,applications should
address the following requirements:
• Strategy Overview—for each selected Climate Action and Pollution Reduction Strategy:
o Provide an overview of the strategy and associated projects and describe how they will
be implemented during the grant term.
o Describe how the strategies and associated projects in the application are integrated
and/or designed to complement each other to benefit the disadvantaged communities
o Explain how the amount/proportion of the requested funding was determined for each
strategy and associated project in the application.
• Climate Action Strategies
o Describe how the project(s) associated with the Climate Action Strategy(ies) will
address the climate impacts, risks, and / or challenges facing the Project Area
community;will decrease GHG emissions within the Project Area and increase overall
community resilience to current and anticipated climate impacts;and are responsive to
the community needs and challenges identified in the Community Vision Description.
• Pollution Reduction Strategies
o Describe how the project(s)associated with the Pollution Reduction Strategy(ies)will
address the localized pollution challenges facing the Project Area communities; will
make substantial and measurable (i.e., quantifiable) progress towards preventing,
reducing, and / or mitigating existing and future sources of pollution to benefit the
Project Area; and are responsive to the community needs and challenges identified in
the Community Vision Description.
1.3 Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan:Applications should address the
elements of the Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan as described in
Section LG, the sections of which are outlined below. As described in Section IV.A.4, the plan
cannot exceed 10 pages(excess pages will not be reviewed)and should be uploaded to Grants.gov
as a separate attachment.
• Past Community Outreach and Engagement Conducted: The application should
demonstrate how past engagement impacted the strategy and associated project selection and
implementation approach included in the application. This includes describing selected
outreach and engagement methods used for the Project Area,including engagement to specific
neighborhoods or groups.
• Community Engagement Plan Implementation: The applicant should demonstrate the
specific community engagement methods, as well as how they will mitigate barriers and
involve relevant governmental stakeholders necessary to support overall implementation.
• Collaborative Governance Structure: The applicant should provide details regarding the
roles and responsibilities of the Lead Applicant, Collaborating Entities, and community
residents and / or community-selected representatives for implementing, managing, and
overseeing the application's project activities,including how regularly they will meet to discuss
project implementation.
1.4 Community Strength Plan:Applications should address the elements of the Community Strength
Plan as described in Section I.G,the sections of which are outlined below.As described in Section
IV.A.4,the plan cannot exceed 5 pages(excess pages will not be reviewed)and should be uploaded
to Grants.gov as a separate attachment.
• Maximizing Economic Benefits of Projects:The applicant should describe how the projects
included in the application will strive to maximize economic benefits for individuals in the
Project Area,including priority populations.
• Displacement Avoidance: The applicant should discuss potential near-term and long-term
risks associated with the proposed projects to residents,small businesses,nonprofits,and other
community members. Applicants should also assess and describe the vulnerability the
community faces to rising costs attributable to their proposed project(s)and assess potential
impacts to households,small businesses,and other existing groups.
Part 2.Program Management,Capability and Capacity
2.1 Performance Management Plan, Outputs / Outcomes: Applicants should describe the
environmental results of the proposed project in terms of well-defined outputs and, to the
maximum extent practicable, well-defined outcomes that will demonstrate how the project will
contribute to the Community Change Grants goals and objectives.(See Section 1.1 and Appendix
F for more detail on expected outputs and outcomes). In addition to identifying expected project
outputs and outcomes,applicants should describe how they plan to track and measure their project
performance, including through indicator tracking, to monitor progress towards achieving the
expected outputs and outcomes throughout the performance period.
Applicants should also:
• Describe how they selected the expected outputs and outcomes and how they will lead to
improvements to the environmental conditions and public health of the community
members of the Project Area in the short and long term.
• Describe how the expected project outputs and outcomes are specific and include
achievable and reasonable target measures within the project period.
• Describe how the recipient will use program evaluation activities (e.g., utilizing proper
evaluation tools and personnel/organizations with experience in evaluating program and
project progress / success) from project initiation through project completion to
meaningfully document and measure their progress towards achieving project goals.
2.2 Project Linkages to the EPA Strategic Plan: Applications should describe how the proposed
project activities support and advance EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2 (Take Decisive Action to
Advance Environmental Justice and Civil Rights).Objective 2.1,(Promote Environmental Justice
and Civil Rights at the Federal, Tribal, State, and Local Levels). See Section I I. In addition.
applications,depending on the projects included in them, should also address how they support
and advance the following EPA Strategic Plan Goals as applicable:
• Goal 1 -Tackle the Climate Crisis
• Goal 4-Ensure Clean and Healthy Air for All Communities
• Goal 5-Ensure Clean and Safe Water for All Communities
• Goal 6-Safeguard and Revitalize Communities;and
• Goal 7-Ensure Safety of Chemicals for People and the Environment
Refer to the EPA Strategic Plan.
2.3 CBO Experience and Commitment: Applications should describe the following for the Lead
Applicant and/or Statutory Partner for the proposed grant:
• Their history and experience as a CBO.
• The depth of their commitment, connections, and relationships with the disadvantaged
communities the application is intended to benefit.
2.4 Programmatic and Managerial Capability and Resources: Applications should provide
information demonstrating the Lead Applicant's and Statutory Partner's ability to successfully
complete,oversee,and manage the award including:
• Their organizational experience and capacity related to performing the proposed projects
or similar activities(e.g., experience in managing projects and activities like those in the
application)
111 • Their resources, capacity, capabilities, staff (e.g., project manager and other key
personnel), expertise. and skills to perform and manage the award activities effectively
during the three-year award period.For Lead Applicants submitting two applications under
this NOFO,this includes how they demonstrate they have the above attributes to perform.
manage,and oversee two awards effectively within the three-year award period.
• Their financial stability, controls in place, and capacity to manage taxpayer dollars
ethically and efficiently as well as the policies and controls to be in place for project
oversight and to manage program risk.This includes controls to identify waste,fraud,and
abuse,and reduce the potential for waste,fraud,and abuse,by including plans and policies
for program oversight, including confidential reporting(e.g.. whistleblower protections).
and risk management.
• A projected milestone schedule for the proposed projects(up to three years)with a breakout
of the project activities into phases with associated tasks and timeframes for completion of
tasks, including the approach,procedures.and controls for ensuring that the award funds
will be expended in a timely and efficient manner while ensuring that costs are eligible,
reasonable,and allowable.
Z.� Past Performance: Describe federally funded and / or non-federally funded assistance
agreements(assistance agreements include grants and cooperative agreements but not contracts)
that the Lead Applicant performed within the last three years(no more than three agreements in
total)and provide the information below for them. EPA agreements are preferred to be included.
• Describe whether, and how, the Lead Applicant was able to successfully complete and
manage the agreements.
• Describe the history of the Lead Applicant in meeting the reporting requirements under the
agreements including submitting acceptable final technical reports.
• Describe how the Lead Applicant documented and / or reported on whether progress
towards achieving the expected results(i.e.,outputs and outcomes)under those agreements
was being made. If progress was not made, please indicate whether, and how, that was
documented.
Note: In evaluating the Lead Applicant's past performance, the Agency will consider the
information provided in the application and may also consider relevant information from other
sources, including information from EPA files and / or from current and prior federal agency
grantors(e.g.,to verify and/or supplement the information provided by the applicant). If there is
no relevant or available past performance information, please indicate this in the application,and
you will receive a neutral score for these factors under Section V. Failure to provide any past
performance information,or to include a statement that you do not have any relevant or available
past performance or reporting information. may result in a zero score for these factors (see also
Section V).
Part 3. Readiness to Proceed, Feasibility,and Sustainability: Provide the following information in the
application:
•
3.1 Readiness Approach: Demonstrate,based on the Readiness Approach Requirements described in
Section 1.G,the applicant's ability and readiness to proceed with grant performance for the projects
in the application upon receiving an award, and generally no later than 120 days after award, in
order to ensure that the projects can be completed within the statutory three-year grant period. As
appropriate, this may include a description of the completed project planning and design phases
related to the project(s)as well as demonstrating that the applicant has obtained and/or complied
with the necessary approvals, permits, permissions, and any other applicable requirements, to
commence project performance upon award, and if not their plan for doing so within 120 days of
award.
3.2 Feasibility:Demonstrate that all the projects in the application can be successfully and effectively
performed within the three-year grant period of performance,and the degree of risk that they cannot
be. This includes describing how the strategies and associated projects can individually and
collectively be completed within three years.
3.3 Sustainability: Demonstrate the extent to which the benefits and outcomes from the projects can
be sustained after the three-year grant period of performance based on factors including but not
limited to whether(i)the applicant will leverage funding and/or resources from other sources to
ensure the sustainability of the projects beyond the three-year grant term and(ii)the description of
an operations and maintenance approach including plans and commitments to ensure there is
continued funding available for operation and maintenance activities of infrastructure activities for
the projects after the grant term is over(e.g.,are there demonstrated commitments for continuing
operation and maintenance funding / resources from the appropriate parties after the three year
grant term is over) including coordination with appropriate responsible parties.
3.4 Program Budget Description: Provide a detailed budget description and estimated funding
amounts for each project component/task similar to that on the budget found in SF-424A,which
includes the EPA funding requested to be expended over the three-year period of performance.This
section provides an opportunity for a narrative description of the budget or aspects of the budget
found in the SF-424A. In the description, explain how the budget is reasonable to accomplish the
projects, and the cost-effectiveness of the budget in terms of maximizing the share of funds used
for the delivery of benefits to disadvantaged communities (both the direct costs of funds passed
through for financial assistance as well as associated indirect costs).
Note: A template to depict the program budget description is included as Appendix G and may be
used to supplement the budget description in the Project Narrative. Applicants that do not use the
template will not be penalized and applicants can convey the information in other forms. While the
program budget description is part of the Project Narrative page limit, the template is not part of
the page limit for the Project Narrative and will not count against the 20-page Project Narrative
page limit for Track I applications.
3.5 Compliance Plan: Applicants must submit a Compliance Plan as described in Section LG that
does not exceed 5 pages. Excess pages will not be reviewed.
Track II Application Requirements
Track II applications consist of a Project Narrative with two sections as identified below: (A)
Executive Summary and (B) Project Workplan. Together these cannot exceed 15 pages as
described above.
Section A.Executive Summary
The Executive Summary should contain the elements below and should not exceed two pages.
• Application Title: Provide a name for the application.
• Lead Applicant:Name of the organization applying.
• Statutory Partner to the Lead Applicant: Name of the Statutory Partner.
• Contact information: Include a name, title,email address, and phone number for key personnel
for Lead Applicant, Statutory Partner.
• Eligibility: Describe how the Lead Applicant and Statutory Partner meet the eligibility
requirements in Section IIL.A of the NOFO.
• Disadvantaged Community to benefit from the projects: Identify and describe the
disadvantaged communities,as defined in Appendix A.intended to benefit from the projects in the
application.See Section IILD.3 for more detail.
• Grant Award Period and Completion: Provide estimated beginning and ending dates for the
period of performance for your proposed grant.Given the requirement under CAA§ 138(b)(I)that
all grants must be completed within three years,all applications must state how the projects in the
application can be completed within three years of award.
• EPA Funding Requested: See award sizes specified in Section ll.A.
• Other Sources of Funding Briefly explain,to the extent you can,whether funding for the projects
in your application is available under the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act(IIJA),other IRA
programs.or other funding streams and, if sn,your reasons for seeking funding for these projects
under this NOFO.Please also note the Duplicate Funding clause included in Section IV of the EPA
Solicitation Clauses incorporated by reference in this NOW and referenced in Section V.E.
• Resubmission Status: Specify if the application is for a resubmission of a previously submitted
and reviewed application. If so,please identify the date of the original submission and date of EPA
debriefing of the previously submitted application(See Section II.0 for further information on the
resubmission process).
Section B. Project Workplan
Track II Program Objectives: Applications should describe the following:
• How the application addresses the Track II objectives identified in Section I.H.
• What methods, tools, and trainings the applicant will use to facilitate the engagement of
disadvantaged communities in state and Federal advisory groups.workshops.rulemakings.
and/or other public processes. including local, Tribal,and other governmental processes.
related to environmental and climate justice.
• How the application addresses the disadvantaged community's lack of access to,or weak
relationships with, governmental entities, including how the application improves those
relationships, increases points of access for disadvantaged communities with government
entities,and creates channels to work cooperatively to promote environmental and climate
justice
• How the application will result in governmental entities better understanding the root
causes of environmental and climate justice issues that impact disadvantaged communities.
so government leaders and decision-makers are better prepared to proactively address
concerns before issues materialize.
2. Project Collaboration and Participation:Applications should describe the following:
• How meaningful input and feedback was considered from the disadvantaged community
and other stakeholders in designing and developing the project and how input will continue
to be obtained and considered during grant performance.
• The facilitation and accountability° measures to establish and maintain trust between the
disadvantaged community and government officials to ensure the community can
collaborate in an authentic and meaningful way, rather than an insincere manner, on
environmental and climate justice issues with governmental bodies.
• The applicant's and any Collaborating Entities' history of relationships and collaborations
with disadvantaged communities,governmental bodies,and other stakeholders to address
environmental and environmental!climate justice issues.
3. Project linkages: Applicants should describe how their application supports and advances EPA
Strategic Plan Goal 2(Take Decisive Action to Advance Environmental Justice and Civil Rights),
44
Objective 2.1, (Promote Environmental Justice and Civil Rights at the Federal, Tribal, State,and
Local Levels).
4. Program Budget Description:Applicants should describe:
• The reasonableness of the budget and allowability of the costs for each component/activity
of the project and their approach,procedures,and controls for ensuring that awarded grant
funds will be expended in a timely and efficient manner to comply with the statutory 3-
year project period limitation.
• The cost effectiveness of the budget/project in terms of maximizing the share of funds
used for the delivery of benefits to disadvantaged communities (both the direct costs of
funds passed through for financial assistance as well as associated indirect costs to the
greatest extent practicable).
5. Environmental Results:Applicants should describe the following:
• Their plan, with associated timeframes, for tracking and measuring their progress in
achieving the expected project outcomes and outputs for Track[I applications.See Section
1.1 and Appendix F for more detail on expected outputs and outcomes.
• Whether and how the projects and their outcomes are sustainable beyond the three-year
grant period, and how they will leverage resources,community support, etc. to facilitate
this.The quality and specificity of the proposed outputs and outcomes,and how they will
lead to the success of the grants,should also be addressed.
6. CBO Experience and Commitment: Applicants should describe the following for the Lead
Applicant and/or Statutory Partner for the proposed grant:
• Their history and experience as a CBO.
• The depth of their commitment, historical connections, and relationships with the
disadvantaged community the application is intended to benefit.
7. Programmatic and Managerial Capability and Resources: Provide information demonstrating
the Lead Applicant's and Statutory Partner's ability to successfully complete,oversee,and manage
the award including:
• Their organizational experience and capacity related to performing the proposed projects
or similar activities(e.g.,experience in managing projects and activities like those in the
application).
• Their resources, capacity, capabilities, staff (e.g., project manager and other key
personnel), expertise, and skills to perform and manage the award activities effectively
during the three-year award period.For Lead Applicants submitting two applications under
this NOFO,this includes how they demonstrate they have the above attributes to perform,
manage,and oversee two awards effectively within the three-year award period.
• Their milestone schedule for the proposed projects (up to three years) including the
breakout of the project activities into phases and timeframes for completion of tasks,and
the approach,procedures,and controls for ensuring that the award funds will be expended
in a timely and efficient manner while ensuring that costs are eligible, reasonable, and
allowable.
• Their legal and financial controls in place, and capacity to manage taxpayer dollars
ethically and efficiently as well as the policies and controls for project oversight and
program risk. This includes the extent and quality to which the application includes
controls to identify waste,fraud,and abuse,and reduce the potential for waste,fraud,and
abuse by including plans and policies for program oversight, including confidential
reporting(e.g.,whistleblower protections).
111
11
8. Past Performance:Describe federally funded and/or non-federally funded assistance agreements
(assistance agreements include grants and cooperative agreements but not contracts)that the Lead
Applicant performed within the last three years(no more than three agreements in total)and provide
the information below for them. EPA agreements are preferred to be included.
• Describe whether, and how, the Lead Applicant was able to successfully complete and
manage the agreements.
• Describe the Lead Applicant's history of meeting the reporting requirements under the
agreements including submitting acceptable final technical reports.
• Describe how the Lead Applicant documented and / or reported on whether progress
towards achieving the expected results(i.e.,outputs and outcomes)under those agreements
was being made. If progress was not being made. please indicate whether,and how,this
was documented.
Note: In evaluating the Lead Applicant's past performance, the Agency will consider the
information provided in the application and may also consider relevant information from other
sources, including information from EPA files and / or from current and prior federal agency
grantors(e.g.,to verify and/or supplement the information provided by the applicant). If there is
no relevant or available past performance information,please indicate this in the application,and
you will receive a neutral score for these factors under Section V. Failure to provide any past
performance information,or to include a statement that you do not have any relevant or available
past performance or reporting information, may result in a zero score for these factors (see also
Section V).
C. Informational Webinars and Application Assistance
Applicants are encouraged to participate in webinars with EPA to address questions about this NOFO as
well as to facilitate forming partnerships to apply under this NOFO. EPA will host a series of webinars
about this NOFO while this NOFO remains open for application submission. EPA will post information
about the webinars, schedule for webinars, as well as additional information about this NOFO (e.g.,
frequently asked questions, technical assistance), on Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants
Program page.A recording of each webinar will be posted at the link above along with presented materials.
EPA expects to host an informational webinar on December 7,2023—please check the website listed above
for further information.
In addition, for the partnership facilitation webinars, there will be break out group discussions on
establishing partnerships with other organizations eligible to apply for EPA funding or to participate as
Collaborating Entities in the projects.Please note that the EPA does not intend that the partnership forums
to be used by individual consultants,consulting firms or other for-profit vendors to market their services to
potential applicants as partners or otherwise.
Please note that in accordance with EPA's Policy for Competition of Assistance Agreements,EPA Order
5700.5A I,EPA staff will not meet with individual applicants to discuss draft applications,provide informal
comments on draft applications, or provide advice to applicants on how to respond to evaluation criteria.
Please note,however,that as stated in Section I.technical assistance will be available to eligible applicants
for help with this NOFO.
Applicants are responsible for the contents of their applications. However,consistent with the provisions in the
NOFO, EPA will respond to questions from individual applicants regarding threshold eligibility criteria,
administrative issues related to the submission of the application,and requests for clarification about this NOFO.
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Section V. Application Review Information
(back to the Table of Contents)
Note:Additional provisions that apply to this section can be found at EPA Solicitation Clauses.
A. Threshold Eligibility Review Process
All applications will be evaluated for threshold eligibility purposes based on the threshold eligibility criteria
described in Section III.D.
B. Review Panel and Evaluation Process
All applications that pass the threshold eligibility review process will be evaluated and scored by review
panels using the track-specific evaluation criteria and processes described below. Review panels will be
comprised of EPA staff and/or external reviewers.Track I applications will be reviewed by separate review
panels for the written application and oral presentation. Track II applications will undergo only a written
application review.See below for additional detail about the evaluation criteria and processes for each track.
C. Track I Application Review Process. Evaluation Criteria, and Oral Presentations
All eligible Track I applications(including those for the TIAs described in Section [LB)will be evaluated
on a 200-point scale as follows-155 points for the written application review and 45 points for the oral
presentation review:
• The maximum points available for an application are 200 points-155 points for the written
application based on the criteria specified below for Track I written applications,and 45 points for
the oral presentation based on the criteria below.
• Applicants whose written application scores at least 110 points will then proceed to an oral
presentation.Oral presentations will be conducted consistent with the procedures described below.
Applicants who proceed to an oral presentation will be provided further information about the
process following the evaluation of the written application.
• Applicants who do not proceed to an oral presentation will receive notification of non-selection
from EPA and may request a debriefing as explained in the Section VI Debriefings and Disputes
clauses included in the EPA Solicitation Clauses incorporated by reference in the NOFO.
Applicants may resubmit an application in certain circumstances as noted in Section ll.C.
• The oral presentation will be worth 45 points and be evaluated based on the oral presentation criteria
below.
• Applications that receive a total score of 170 or more(based on the written application and oral
presentation)will be referred to the Selection Official for final selection consideration as described
in Section V.E below.
• Applications that receive a total score between 110-169(based on the written application and oral
presentation)will be ranked and referred to the Selection Official, on an approximately monthly
basis,for final selection consideration as described in Section V.E below.
• Applications not selected for award based on the monthly review will receive notification from
EPA and may request a debriefing as explained in the Section VI Debriefings and Disputes clauses
included in the EPA Solicitation Clauses incorporated by reference in the NOFO.Applicants may
resubmit an application in certain circumstances as noted in Section II.C.
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The evaluation criteria summarized in the table below correspond to the Track I Application Project
Narrative components described in Section 1V.B. Applicants should reference the index number and title
of these components in their Project Narrative to facilitate the evaluation process.
Track I Written A. ilication Criterion
Section Possible
Points
Community Driven Investments for` ante 80 total
1.1 Community Orcrvicw I
1.2 Selected Strategies 45
1.3 Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan 15
1.4 Community Strength Plan 10
Part 2.Program Management,Capability,and Capacity 35 total
2.1 Performance Management Plan.Outputs;Outcomes 6
2.2 Project Linkages to the EPA Strategic Plan 4
2.3 CBO Experience and Commitment 5
2.4 Programmatic and Managerial Capability and Resources 15
2.5 Past Performance
Part 3.Readiness to Proceed, Feasibility,and Sustainability 40 total
3.1 Readiness Approach 8
3.2 Feasibility 9
3.3 Sustainability 5
3.4 Program Budget Description 8
3.5 Compliance Plan I 0
TOTAL 155
Evaluation Criteria for Track I Written Applications(155 points total)
Part 1.Community Driven Investments for Change(80 points total)
1.1 Community Vision Description(10 points):
• Community Description: Applicants will be evaluated based on their description of the
community to benefit from the projects in the application,consistent with the Project Area
map submitted, and the quality and extent to which they describe the community's
resources,assets,and local characteristics,and the type of benefits the grants will provide
to the community.(3 points)
• Community Challenges:Applications will be evaluated based on how well they describe
the challenges and needs the community are facing, including climate impacts, climate
change risks/exposures,and/or localized pollution,and the impact these challenges have
on priority populations within the Project Area who are acutely exposed to and impacted
by climate,pollution,and weather-related threats,and/or who exhibit acute vulnerabilities
or susceptibilities to the impacts of environmental pollution. See footnote 3 for more
information on priority populations.(4 points)
• Community Vision: Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and extent to
which they articulate a clear vision for the impacts and benefits this grant would have on
the community in the near and long term,as described further in Section IV.B.(3 points)
. ._ 4
1.2 Selected Strategies(45 points)
• Strategy Overview(15 points). Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and
extent to which they:
o Provide an overview of the strategies and associated projects and describe how they
will be implemented during the grant term.(6 points)
o Describe how the strategies and associated projects in the application are integrated
and/or designed to complement each other to benefit the disadvantaged communities.
(6 points)
o Explain how the amount/proportion of the requested funding was determined for each
strategy and aligned project in the application.(3 points)
• Climate Action Strategies(15 points). Applications will be evaluated based on the
quality and extent to which they:
o Describe how the associated projects will address the identified climate impacts and/
or climate change risk(s) /exposure(s) within the Project Area and explain how the
project(s) will decrease GHG emissions within the Project Area and / or increase
overall Project Area resilience to current and anticipated climate impacts.(8 points)
o Describe how the selected Climate Action Strategies and associated projects help meet
the needs and challenges of the community as articulated in the Community Vision.(7
points)
• Pollution Reduction Strategies(15 points). Applications will be evaluated based on the
quality and extent to which they:
o Describe how the associated project(s)will address the identified localized pollution
challenges and will make substantial and measurable (e.g.. quantifiable) progress
towards preventing,reducing,and/or mitigating future sources of pollution to benefit
the Project Area.(8 points)
o Describe how the selected Pollution Reduction Strategies help meet the needs and
challenges of the community as articulated in the Community Vision.(7 points)
1.3 Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan(15 points): The Community
Engagement and Collaborative Governance Plan described in Section l.G wili be eva uated based
on the quality and extent to which it demonstrates:
• Past Community Outreach and Engagement Conducted: How the applicant's past
engagement with the Project Area community impacted the Strategy and associated project
selection and implementation approach included in the application,including the outreach
and engagement methods used for the Project Area and specific neighborhoods or groups
within the Project Area.(4 points)
• Community Engagement Plan Implementation: The specific community engagement
methods used by the applicant, as well as how they will mitigate barriers and involve
relevant governmental stakeholders necessary to support overall project implementation.
(6 points)
• Collaborative Governance Structure:The details regarding the roles and responsibilities
of the Lead Applicant, Collaborating Entities, and community residents and / or
r.:
community-selected representatives for implementing, managing, and overseeing the
application's project activities, including how regularly they will meet to discuss project
implementation.(5 points)
1.4 Community Strength Plan (10 points): The Community Strength Plan as described in Section
I.G will be evaluated based on the quality and extent to which it demonstrates:
• Maximizing Economic Benefits of Projects: How the projects included in the application
are intended to provide economic benefits for individuals in the Project Area, including
priority populations as defined in footnote 3.(5 points)
• Displacement Avoidance:The measures for mitigating potential near-term and long-term
risks associated with the proposed projects to residents,small businesses.nonprofits. and
other community members, the vulnerability the community faces to rising costs
attributable to their proposed project.and the potential project impacts to households,small
businesses,and other existing groups.(5 points)
Part 2. Program Management,Capability,and Capacity(35 points total)
2.1 Performance Management Plan and Outputs/Outcomes(6 points):Applications will be
evaluated based on:
• Whether the application describes an effective plan, with associated timeframes, for
tracking and measuring progress in achieving the expected project outcomes and outputs
including those identified in Appendix F,as appropriate,and any additional ones identified
in the application.(2 points)
• The quality and specificity of the proposed outputs and outcomes and how they will lead
-
to improvements to the environmental conditions and public health of the disadvantaged
communities in the short and long term.(2 points)
• Whether, and how, the applicant has incorporated
pp rp ated program evaluation activities (e.g.,
utilizing proper evaluation tools and personnel / organizations with experience in
evaluating program and project progress/success)from project initiation through project
completion to meaningfully document and measure their progress towards achieving
project goals and how they will use the results of the evaluations to meet the project goals
within the required timeframes.(2 points)
2.2 Project Linkages to the EPA Strategic Plan(4 points):Applications will be evaluated based on
the extent and quality to which the proposed project activities support and advance EPA Strategic
Plan Goal 2(Take Decisive Action to Advance Environmental Justice and Civil Rights).Objective
2.1, (Promote Environmental Justice and Civil Rights at the Federal, Tribal, State, and Local
Levels).
In addition,applications,depending on the projects included in them,will also be evaluated based
on the quality and extent to which they also support and advance the following EPA Strategic Plan
Goals as applicable:
• Goal 1 -Tackle the Climate Crisis
• Goal 4-Ensure Clean and Healthy Air for All Communities
• Goal 5-Ensure Clean and Safe Water for All Communities
• Goal 6-Safeguard and Revitalize Communities;and
• Goal 7-Ensure Safety of Chemicals for People and the Environment
2.3 CBO Experience and Commitment(5 points): The CBO(s) that are either the Lead Applicant
and / or Statutory Partner for the proposed grant will be evaluated based on their history and
experience as a CBO and the depth of their commitment,connections,and relationships with the
disadvantaged communities the application is intended to benefit.
2.4 Programmatic and Managerial Capability and Resources(15 points):The Lead Applicant and
Statutory Partner will be evaluated based on their ability to successfully complete, oversee, and
manage the award considering:
• Their organizational experience and capacity related to performing the proposed project(s)
or similar activities(e.g., experience in managing projects and activities like those in the
application).(4 points)
• Their resources, capacity, capabilities, staff (e.g., project manager and other key
personnel), expertise, and skills to perform and manage the award activities effectively
during the three-year award period.For Lead Applicants submitting two applications under
this NOFO,this includes how they demonstrate they have the above attributes to perform.
manage,and oversee two awards effectively within the three-year award period(4 points)
• The milestone schedule for the proposed projects(up to three years)including the breakout
of the project activities into phases and timeframes for completion of tasks, and the
approach, procedures,and controls for ensuring that the award funds will be expended in
a timely and efficient manner while ensuring that costs are eligible, reasonable, and
allowable.(3 points)
• Their financial stability, controls in place, and capacity to manage taxpayer dollars
ethically and efficiently as well as the policies and controls for project oversight and
program risk. This includes the extent and quality to which the application includes
controls to identify waste,fraud,and abuse,and reduce the potential for waste,fraud,and
abuse by including plans and policies for program oversight, including confidential
reporting(e.g.,whistleblower protections).(4 points)
2.5 Past Performance (5 points): The Lead Applicant will be evaluated based on their ability to
successfully complete and manage the proposed projects considering their:
• Past performance in successfully completing and managing the assistance agreements
identified in response to Section IV.B.(3 points)
• History of meeting the reporting requirements under the assistance agreements identified
in response to Section I V.B including whether the applicant submitted acceptable final
technical reports under those agreements and the extent to which the applicant adequately
and timely reported on their progress towards achieving the expected outputs and outcomes
under those agreements and if such progress was not being made whether the applicant
adequately reported why not.(2 points)
Note: The focus of this criterion is on the Lead Applicant's past performance and not that of any
other Collaborating Entities or contractors/consultants who may be assisting the applicant with
performance of the award.In evaluating the Lead Applicant under these factors,EPA will consider
the information provided in the application and may also consider relevant information from other
sources, including information from EPA files and from current / prior grantors. If the Lead
Applicant does not have any relevant or available past performance related to federal or non-federal
grants,this should be stated explicitly in the application(e.g.,our organizations have no relevant
t a
past grants experience). Including this statement will ensure you receive a neutral score for these
factors(a neutral score is half of the total points available in a subset of possible points).Failure to
include this statement may result in your receiving a score of 0 for these factors.
Part 3.Readiness to Perform,Feasibility,and Sustainability(25 points total):
3.1 Readiness Approach (8 points): Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant's ability
and readiness to proceed with grant performance for the projects in the application, based on the
Readiness Approach Requirements described in Section 1.G,upon receiving an award,or generally
no later than 120 days after award,to ensure that the projects can be completed within the statutory
three-year grant period. As appropriate, this may include evaluating the description of the
completed project planning and design phases related to the project(s)as well as demonstrating that
the applicant has obtained and/or complied with the necessary approvals, permits,permissions,
and any other applicable requirements,to commence project performance upon award,and if not
generally within 120 days of award.
3.2 Feasibility(9 points):Applications will be evaluated based on whether it is demonstrated that all
the projects in the application can be successfully and effectively performed within the three-year
grant period of performance, and the degree of risk that they cannot be. This includes also
evaluating how the strategies and associated projects can individually and collectively be
completed within three years.
3.3 Sustainability(5 points):Applications will be evaluated based on whether it is demonstrated that
the benefits and outcomes from the projects in the application can be sustained after the three-year
grant period of performance based on factors including but not limited to whether(i)the Applicant
will leverage funding and / or resources from other sources to ensure the sustainability of the
projects beyond the three-year grant term and(ii)the description of an operations and maintenance
approach including the plans and commitments to ensure there is continued funding available for
operation and maintenance activities of infrastructure activities for the projects after the grant term
is over (e.g., are there demonstrated commitments for continuing operation and maintenance
funding/resources from the appropriate parties after the three year grant term is over) including
coordination with appropriate responsible parties.
3.4 Program Budget Description(8 points):The program budget will be evaluated based on:
• The reasonableness of the budget and allowability of the costs for each component/activity
of the projects in the application.This includes evaluating whether funding is well balanced
and equitably distributed to project partners.including sub-awardees,commensurate with
their role in the project, and whether funding is categorized into the proper budget
categories providing clarity, accuracy, and granularity on the applicant's planned use of
the grant funds during the project period.(4 points)
• The cost effectiveness of the budget/project in terms of maximizing the share of funds
used for the delivery of benefits to disadvantaged communities (both the direct costs of
funds passed through for financial assistance as well as associated indirect costs to the
greatest extent practicable).(4 points)
3.5 Compliance Plan (10 points): Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and extent to
which the Compliance Plan addresses the elements for the Compliance Plan described in Section
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Track I Oral Presentation(45 points total)
The oral presentation is intended to supplement the written application. and provide an opportunity for
applicants to further explain their projects. The oral presentations will be conducted through video
teleconferencing; however, requests for a telephone-only conference will be considered, provided the
applicant describes why video teleconferencing is a barrier that cannot be overcome with technical
assistance provided through EPA as noted in Section I.E. Pre-recorded presentations that lack real-time
interaction will not be allowed. EPA will also provide interpretive services for the oral presentation upon
request.
Further instructions and details about the oral presentation(e.g.,date,time,requirements,limitations and/
or prohibitions on the use of written material or other media to supplement the oral presentations,the time
permitted for each oral presentation)will be provided to those applicants selected to participate in an oral
presentation. EPA will maintain a record of the oral presentation (e.g., transcription) and relevant
information from the oral presentation may be incorporated into the grant award terms and conditions as
appropriate.
Applicants are responsible for determining who will represent them at the oral presentation, but it must
include a representative(s)of the Lead Applicant and should include Collaborating Entity and community
representatives as necessary.Contractors,including consultants,cannot attend the oral presentation for the
applicant.
The oral presentation will be approximately 45 minutes including an introduction and closing.It is expected
it will be conducted by two EPA and/or external reviewers who will evaluate the oral presentation based
on the criteria below. The reviewers may ask clarifying questions during the presentation to enhance their
understanding of the application,but they will be limited to clarifying issues related only to the areas listed
below.The oral presentation cannot be used to change the scope of the applicant's written application,make
any substantive changes to it.cure material omissions in the written applications,and/or otherwise revise
the written application. The oral presentation will be evaluated on the below criteria.
Oral Presentation Criteria(45 points total)
• Community Overview: How was the Project Area, as defined in Appendix A, chosen to be the
beneficiary of the projects in the application? What are the greatest needs for the communities
within the Project Area, and, if your application is not selected for funding what would be the
adverse consequence to those communities?(9 points)
• Strategy Rationale: Why did you select the strategies and projects within the application,and how
will they (collectively and individually)transform the Project Area to address environmental and
climate justice challenges now and in the future (beyond the three-year grant term)?Also, when
the three-year grant term is complete, how will you assess whether the grant was successful in
achieving its objectives to benefit the Project Area and what will success look like?(9 points)
• Community Engagement and Collaborative Governance: Describe your commitment, as well
of that of the Collaborating Entities as described in Section III.A of the NOFO,to efficiently and
effectively perform the projects in the application within three years and describe how all entities
will work together to achieve the project objectives within the three-year grant performance period.
(9 points)
• Management Capacity: Explain how you have the programmatic,technical, administrative,and
managerial capability,experience,and resources to properly manage the grant consistent with grant
regulations and requirements including those in 2 CFR§200(9 points)
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• Performance Challenges: What do you anticipate are the greatest challenges to completing the
projects in the application within the three-year time frame,and what are your plans for overcoming
them?(9 points)
D. Track II Application Review Process and Evaluation Criteria
All eligible Track II application will be evaluated on a 100-point scale using the criteria specified below.
There will be no oral presentation component for the Track II applications.
Track II applications that score at least 85 points will be referred to the Selection Official for final selection
consideration as described in Section \.E below.Those Track II applications whose total score is below 85
will be ranked by EPA staff and reviewed on an approximately monthly basis by the Selection Official.
Those not selected for award during the monthly review will receive notification from EPA and may request
a debriefing as explained in the Section VI: Debriefings and Disputes clauses are included in the EPA
Solicitation Clauses incorporated by reference in the NOFO. Applicants may resubmit an application in
certain circumstances as noted in Section II.C.
Evaluation Criteria for Track II Applications
Track II applications will be evaluated using the criteria below on a 100-point scale.The evaluation criteria
summarized in the table below correspond to the Track II Application Project Narrative components
described in Section IV.B. To assist EPA reviewers,applicants should reference the numbers and titles of
the evaluation criteria in their Project Narratives to help identify where the criteria are being addressed as
applicable.
Track II Evaluation Criteria
Section Possibte Points
1.Program Objectives 35
2. Project Collaboration and Participation 20
3.Project Linkages 4
4. Budget 8
5. Environmental Results 6
6.CBO Experience& Commitment 5
7.Programmatic and Managerial Capability and Resources 16
8.Past Performance 6
TOTAL 100
I. Track II Program Objectives (35 points): Applications will be evaluated based on the quality
and extent to which they demonstrate:
• How the project(s) in the application address the Track II objectives identified in Section
I.H.(10 points)
• The methods, tools, and trainings, the applicant will use to facilitate the engagement of
disadvantaged communities in state and Federal advisory groups,workshops.rulemakings,
and/or other public processes, including local,Tribal,and other governmental processes,
related to environmental and climate justice.(10 points)
• How the project(s)in the application address and improve the disadvantaged community's
lack of access to, or weak relationships with, governmental entities and changes those
relationships to increase points of access for disadvantaged communities with government
to work cooperatively to promote environmental and climate justice.(8 points)
• Will result in governmental entities better understanding the root causes of environmental
and climate justice issues that impact disadvantaged communities.so the communities are
better prepared to proactively address them before the issues materialize.(7 points)
2. Project Collaboration and Participation (20 points): Under this criterion, applications will be
evaluated based on the quality and extent to which they:
• Demonstrate that meaningful input and feedback was considered from the disadvantaged
community and other stakeholders in designing and developing the applications and how
feedback/input will continue to be obtained and considered during grant performance.(10
points)
• Describe the facilitation and accountability measures to establish and maintain trust
between the disadvantaged community and government officials to ensure the community
can collaborate in a meaningful manner on environmental and climate justice issues with
governmental bodies.(5 points)
• Demonstrate the applicant's and Collaborating Entities relationships and history of
collaborations with disadvantaged communities, governmental bodies, and other
stakeholders to address environmental and environmental/climate justice issues.(5 points)
3. Project linkages (4 points): Applications will be evaluated based on the extent and quality to
which the proposed project activities support and advance EPA Strategic Plan Goal 2(Take Decisive
Action to Advance Environmental Justice and Civil Rights), Objective 2.1. (Promote
Environmental Justice and Civil Rights at the Federal,Tribal,State,and Local Levels).
4. Budget(8 points): Under this criterion,applicants will be evaluated based on:
• The reasonableness of the budget and allowability of the costs for each component/activity
of the project and their approach,procedures,and controls for ensuring that awarded grant
funds will be expended in a timely and efficient manner to comply with the statutory 3-
year project period limitation.(4 points)
• The cost effectiveness of the budget/project in terms of maximizing the share of funds
used for the delivery of benefits to disadvantaged communities (both the direct costs of
funds passed through for financial assistance as well as associated indirect costs to the
greatest extent practicable).(4 points)
5. Environmental Results(6 points):Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and extent
to which:
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• They describe an effective plan, with associated timeframes, for tracking and measuring
their progress in achieving the expected project outcomes and outputs for Track II
applications including those identified in Appendix F.(3 points)
• They demonstrate that the project can ensure sustainability of outcomes beyond the three-
year grant period, and how they will leverage resources, community support, etc. to
facilitate this.(3 points)
• The quality and specificity of the proposed outputs and outcomes,and how they will lead
to the success of the grants,are described.(3 points)
6. CBO Experience and Commitment(5 points): The CBO(s) that are either the Lead Applicant
and/or Statutory Partner for the grant will be evaluated based on their history and experience as a
CBO and the depth of their commitment, connections, and relationships with the disadvantaged
communities the application is intended to benefit.
7. Programmatic and Managerial Capability and Resources(16 points): The Lead Applicant and
Statutory Partner will be evaluated based on their ability to successfully complete, oversee, and
manage the award considering:
• Their organizational experience and capacity related to performing the proposed projects
or similar activities(e.g., experience in managing projects and activities like those in the
application).(4 points)
• Their resources, capacity, capabilities, staff (e.g., project manager and other key
personnel), expertise, and skills to perform and manage the award activities effectively
during the three-year award period.For Lead Applicants submitting two applications under
this NOFO,this includes how they demonstrate they have the above attributes to perform,
manage,and oversee two awards effectively within the three-year award period.(4 points)
• The milestone schedule for the proposed projects(up to three years)including the breakout
of the project activities into phases and timeframes for completion of tasks, and the
approach. procedures.and controls for ensuring that the award funds will be expended in
a timely and efficient manner while ensuring that costs are eligible, reasonable. and
allowable.(3 points)
• Their legal and financial controls in place, and capacity to manage taxpayer dollars
ethically and efficiently as well as the policies and controls for project oversight and
program risk. This includes the extent and quality to which the application includes
controls to identify waste,fraud,and abuse,and reduce the potential for waste, fraud,and
abuse by including plans and policies for program oversight, including confidential
reporting(e.g..whistleblower protections).(5 points)
8. Past Performance(6 points total):The Lead Applicant will be evaluated based on their ability to
successfully complete and manage the proposed projects considering their:
• Past performance in successfully completing and managing the assistance agreements
identified in response to Section IV.(3 points)
• History of meeting the reporting requirements under the assistance agreements identified
in response to Section IV including whether the applicant submitted acceptable final
technical reports under those agreements and the extent to which the applicant adequately
and timely reported on their progress towards achieving the expected outputs and outcomes
under those agreements and if such progress was not being made whether the applicant
adequately reported why not.(3 points)
The focus of this criterion is on the Lead Applicant's past performance and not that of any other
Collaborating Entities or contractors / consultants who may be assisting the applicant with
performance of the project.In evaluating the Lead Applicant under these factors,EPA will consider
the information provided in the application and may also consider relevant information from other
sources,including information from EPA files and from current/prior grantors.If you do not have
any relevant or available past performance related to federal or non-federal grants,you should state
this explicitly in your application (e.g., our organization has no relevant past grants experience).
Including this statement will ensure you receive a neutral score for these factors(a neutral score is
half of the total points available in a subset of possible points). Failure to include this statement
may result in your receiving a score of 0 for these factors.
E. Final Selection Process and Other Factors
The Selection Official will make the final selection recommendations for Track I and II applications based
on the evaluation criteria and process described above. In addition, in making the final selection
recommendations for award,the Selection Official may also consider any of the"other"factors below,and
as noted in Section 1 and Section II EPA anticipates making a minimum of fifteen awards for high-ranking
applications that include a workforce training project(s)as described in Section 1.G.
In making the final selection recommendations for award, the Selection Official may consider any of the
following"other factors":
1. Geographic diversity to promote a mix of high-scoring applications benefitting disadvantaged
communities located in urban,rural,or remote areas,different regions of the country,territories,as
well as the geographical nature or impact of the project(s).
2. Program priorities- how the application supports and advances EPA and OEJECR's goals and
priorities,including those in EPA's Strategic Plan that focus on environmental climate and justice
issues.This may also include considering how the application promotes Community Change Grant
program objectives,the depth and extent of community involvement in project development and
implementation,as well as the priority that the grants must be able to be successfully completed
within three years to meet CAA§ 138 statutory requirements.
3. Organizational diversity in terms of applicant type and size to ensure a broad representation of
applicants receiving awards to improve program effectiveness and equity.
4. Whether the applicant is participating in a federal capacity building program as part of the Thriving
Communities Network (please see complete list at Federal Interagency Thriving Communities
Network or the Rural Partners Network).
5. Whether the projects support, advance, or complement funding related to Community Disaster
Resilience Zones(CDRZs)as designated by FEMA.
6. The capacity and capabilities of Lead Applicants,who are selected for two awards under this NOFO,
to successfully perform,manage,and oversee both grants within the three-year grant term and the
risks posed by multiple awards to successful grant performance.
7. The extent to which the EPA funding may complement or be coordinated with other EPA funding
or other Federal and/or non-Federal sources of funds/resources to leverage additional resources
1
to contribute to the performance and success of the grant. This includes but is not limited to funds
and other resources leveraged from businesses, labor organizations, non-profit organizations,
education and training providers, and / or Federal, state, Tribal, and local governments, as
appropriate.
8. Duplicate funding considerations as stated in Section IV of the EPA Solicitation Clauses
incorporated by reference in this NOFO.This includes considering whether funding for the projects
in the application is available under the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act(IIJA),other IRA
programs,or other funding streams and if so the applicant's reasons for seeking funding for these
projects under this NOW.
9. Availability of funds.
In addition, because the objectives of this NOFO are part of a government-wide effort to address
environmental and climate justice concerns and challenges, information pertaining to proposed selection
recommendations may be shared by EPA with other Federal.state,local,territorial,or Tribal governmental
departments or agencies before final selections are made in order to determine whether potential selections
under this NOFO:(1)are expected to be funded by another department or agency to minimize the possibility
of duplicate funding, (2) could be affected by permitting, regulatory or other issues involving another
department or agency,and/or(3)will complement or can be used to leverage funding and capacity-building
by another department or agency to maximize value. Note that this process is separate from the
Intergovernmental Review requirements in 40 CFR Part 29.
F. Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Date
As stated in Section(LC,applications will be reviewed and selected on a rolling basis and may be submitted
through November 21,2024. EPA anticipates it will announce initial selection decisions for awards under
this NOFO by March 2024 with the initial awards being made in May/June 2024.
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Section VI. Award Administration Information
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Note: Additional provisions that apply to this section of the NOFO, including those related to
responsibilities under civil rights laws, can be found in the EPA Solicitation Clauses.
A. Award Notification and Disputes
EPA anticipates that the first notification of selected applicants will be made via electronic mail in March
2024 and will continue to be done on a rolling basis.The notification will be sent to the original signer of
the application,or the contact listed in the application.This notification,which informs the applicant that
its application has been selected,is not an authorization to begin work.The official notification of an award
will be made by the EPA Award Official.Applicants are cautioned that only a grants officer is authorized
to bind the Government to the expenditure of funds;selection does not guarantee an award will be made.
For example, statutory authorization, funding, readiness to perform projects, or other issues discovered
during the award process may affect the ability of EPA to make an award to an applicant.The award notice,
signed by a grants officer, is the authorizing document and will be provided through electronic mail.The
successful applicant may be requested to prepare and submit additional documents and forms that must be
approved by EPA before the grant can officially be awarded. The time between notification of selection
and finalization of the award agreement can take up to 90 days or longer.
Assistance agreement competition-related disputes will be resolved in accordance with the dispute
resolution procedures published in 70 FR(Federal Register)3629,3630(January 26,2005),which can be
found at Grant Competition Dispute Resolution Procedures. Copies of these procedures may also be
requested by contacting the person listed in Section VII of the announcement.Note,the FR notice references
regulations at 40 CFR Parts 30 and 31 that have been superseded by regulations in 2 CFR Parts 200 and
1500. Notwithstanding the regulatory changes, the procedures for competition-related disputes remain
unchanged from the procedures described at 70 FR 3629,3630,as indicated in 2 CFR Part 1500, Subpart
E.
Non-profit applicants that are recommended for funding under this announces ent are subject to pre-award
administrative capability reviews consistent with Section 8b,8c,and 9d of EPA Order 5700.8:EPA s Policy
on Assessing Capabilities of lion-Protit Applicants for Managing Assistance Awards. In addition, non-
profit applicants selected for awards over$200,000 may be required to fill out and submit to the grants
management office EPA Form 6600.09, United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrative
Capability Questionnaire with supporting documents as required in EPA Order 5700.8.
Depending on the projects in the grant award, EPA will impose programmatic terms and conditions to
ensure successful and timely grant performance.In addition,if applicants have any questions about whether
a proposed project cost is eligible or allowable,they should contact EPA for clarification prior to application
submittal.
B. Administrative and National Policti Requirements
Grantees will be subject to administrative and national policy requirements. Note that EPA plans to
establish programmatic requirements in the terms and conditions of each grant agreement to implement
these administrative and national policy,and other relevant, requirements, which will include but not be
limited to: this award is subject to the requirements of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
3
Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards; Title 2 CFR, Parts 200 and (500. EPA also has
programmatic regulations located in 40 CFR Chapter 1 Subchapter B.
A listing and description of general EPA regulations applicable to the award of assistance agreements is
available on the EPA Policies and Guidance for Grants page.
Readiness to Perform Requirements:Following selection and before award,EPA may work with selected
applicants to ensure that all approvals, requirements, permits, and permissions that are needed to begin
performance will, if not already obtained or complied with, be resolved by the time of award, and if not
generally within 120 days of award(unless extended by EPA). A term and condition may also state that
EPA may terminate the award for the recipients' failure to meet these requirements.
State / Territories Operation and Maintenance: Because of their unique roles, State and territorial
governments may receive subawards to help implement specific project activities such as an infrastructure
project in which they own the land or where they have governmental technical expertise and staffing
necessary to effectively implement activities of an infrastructure or other type of project.The terms of the
EPA award will also require, if applicable,that state and territorial subrecipients commit to operation and
{ maintenance funding for any infrastructure constructed or improved on land they own with funding
fi
available under the NOFO.
fi
Build America,Buy America Act(BABA):Certain projects under this NOFO may be subject to the Buy
America domestic content sourcing requirements under the Build America, Buy America (BABA)
provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (P.L. 117-58, §§ 70911-70917). These
provisions apply when using Federal funds for the purchase of goods,products,and materials on any form
of construction,alteration,maintenance,or repair of infrastructure in the United States.BABA requires that
all iron,steel,manufactured products,and construction materials consumed in,incorporated into,or affixed
to federally funded infrastructure projects must be produced in the United States. Please consider this
information when preparing budget information and your application.The award recipient must implement
these requirements in its procurements, and these requirements must flow down to all subawards and
contracts at any tier. For more information, consult EPA's Build America, Buy America website. When
supported by rationale provided in the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act(IIJA)§70914,the recipient
may submit a BABA waiver request to EPA. The recipient should request guidance on the submission
instructions of an EPA waiver request from their EPA Project Officer.A list of approved EPA waivers is
available on the BABA website. In addition to BABA requirements,all procurements under grants may be
subject to the domestic preference provisions of 2 CFR§200.322.
Davis-Bacon and Related Acts(DBRA): The Davis-Bacon and Related Acts(42 U.S.C. §§ 3141-3144)
set labor standards, including prevailing wages and fringe benefits, and apply to most federally funded
contracts for construction of public works.The DBRA labor standards and reporting requirements apply to
construction projects assisted with grants authorized by the CAA, including this program, as provided in
CAA§314(42 U.S.C.§7614)."A term and condition specifying DBRA compliance requirements will be
included in the grant agreement.
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act(URA):The LIRA applies
to acquisitions of property and displacements of individuals and businesses that result from federally
15 EPA will use the definition of Construction in 40 CFR 33.103 to determine whether funding will be for a
construction project.That definition defines Construction as". . .erection,alteration,or repair(including dredging,
excavating,and painting)of buildings,structures,or other improvements to real property,and activities in response
to a release or a threat of a release of a hazardous substance into the environment, or activities to prevent the
introduction of a hazardous substance into a water supply."
7+
d i '4.
assisted programs. The URA and Federal Highway Administration's implementing regulations at 49 CFR
Part 24 require grantees to follow certain procedures for acquiring property for grant purposes. such as
notice, negotiation, and appraisal requirements. The statute and regulations also contain requirements for
carrying out relocations of displaced persons and businesses, such as reimbursement requirements for
moving expenses and standards for replacement housing.A term and condition specifying URA compliance
requirements will be included in the grant agreement.
National Historic Preservation Act(NHPA): Section 106 of the NHPA requires all federal agencies to
consider the effects of their undertakings, including the act of awarding a grant agreement, on historic
properties. If NHPA compliance is required,necessary Section 106 consultation activities,such as historic
or architectural surveys, structural engineering analysis of buildings, public meetings. and archival
photographs,can be considered allowable and allocable grant costs.A term and condition specifying NHPA
compliance requirements will be included in the grant agreement.
Note that Section 7(c) of the Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. §
793(c)(1)) exempts all actions under the CAA from the requirements of NEPA (National Environmental
Policy Act). This Section states:"No action taken under the Clean Air Act shall be deemed a major Federal
action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969."Therefore, as a grant program authorized under the CAA. NEPA will
not apply to projects funded under the Community Change Grants.
Justice40 Reporting: The activities to be performed under the awards are expected to contribute to the
President's goal that 40% of overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged
communities(the Justice40 Initiative.See Section I.A).Recipients,therefore,will be expected to report on
certain metrics to demonstrate to what extent the activities contribute to the 40%goal.A term and condition
specifying reporting of metrics demonstrating the extent to which the grant's activities advance this 40%
goal will be included in each grant agreement.
Signage: The activities to be performed under the awards are expected to publicize that they were funded
by the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency and the Inflation Reduction Act(e.g.,via signs at the place(s)
of performance.The award will include appropriate terms and conditions about signage requirements.
Environmental Justice Grant Applicant Database: The Community Change Grants program strives to
support as many CBOs that apply regardless of their ultimate success in receiving a grant,by,as appropriate
l) familiarizing applicants with federal grant application requirements, 2) sharing expectations and
responsibilities of managing federal grants, 3) providing constructive feedback and recommendations on
ways to strengthen unselected applications, 4) helping organizations build sustainability into projects so
they continue to grow and develop after the project period is over,and 5)facilitating connections with other
potential resources that can help organizations address community needs. To facilitate the achievement of
these, all applicants who apply under this NOFO will be added to our Environmental Justice Grant
Applicant Database.
Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be subject to both program performance as well as financial and
administrative reporting requirements, as described below. Note that EPA will only collect reporting
information from the Lead Applicant(rather than from any subrecipients), but each Lead Applicant may
need to collect reporting information from subrecipients(e.g.,Collaborating Entities,Statutory Partners)to
meet these reporting requirements.
Program Performance Reporting: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.329,each grantee will be subject to
program performance reporting requirements. Reporting requirements effective during the period of
performance will be established in the grant agreement's terms and conditions,and reporting requirements
effective after the period of performance will be established in a closeout agreement.
During the period of performance, EPA will require each grantee to submit quarterly performance reports
within 30 days after the end of each reporting period (and with additional requirements every fourth
quarterly report i.e., annually) as well as a final performance report within 90 days after the end of the
period of performance.EPA will require that each grantees chief executive officer or equivalent review and
submit each of these reports.EPA will use information from these reports as part of program-wide public
reporting, except to the extent such information includes confidential business information (CBI) or
personally identifiable information(Pit)pursuant to 2 CFR§200.338.16 Included below is information that
EPA may require in these reports.
Financial and Administrative Reporting Requirements: Each grantee will be subject to financial and
administrative reporting requirements,which will be included in the grant agreement's terms and conditions
(EPA's General Terms and Conditions).These requirements will include,but not be limited to:
• Federal Financial Report: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.328 and 2 CFR § 200.344, each
grantee must submit the Federal Financial Report(SF-425)at least annually and no more frequently
than quarterly.The frequency of reporting and report submission instructions will be specified in
the terms and conditions.
• Financial Records Retention:In accordance with 2 CFR§200.334,each grantee will be required
to retain financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal
entity records pertinent to the grant award for a period of three years from the date of submission
of the final expenditure report.Additional record retention requirements on program income used
after the end of the period of performance will be specified in close-out agreements.
• MBE/WBE Utilization: When required,each grantee must complete and submit a"MBE/WBE
Utilization Under Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements"report(EPA Form 5700-52A)on
an annual basis.
• Real Property Status Report: In accordance with 2 CFR§ 200.329,each grantee must submit a
"Real Property Status Report"(SF-429)to report real property status or request agency instructions
on real property that was/will be provided as Government Furnished Property(GFP)or acquired
(i.e.,purchased or constructed)in whole or in part under a federal financial assistance award.
C. Audit Requirements
In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.501(a), each grantee will be required to obtain a single audit from an
independent auditor, if the grantee expends$750,000 or more in total federal funds in the grantee's fiscal
year.Audits will be made public in accordance with the process described in 2 CFR§200.512.The grantee
must submit the form SF-SAC and a Single Audit Report Package within 9 months of the end of the
grantee's fiscal year or 30 days after receiving the report from an independent auditor.The SF-SAC and a
Single Audit Report Package MUST be submitted using the Federal Audit Clearinghouse's Internet Data
Entry System.In addition,each grantee may be subject to additional audit requirements,including but not
limited to compliance requirements as part of any compliance supplement to the single audit.
D. Remedies for Non-Compliance
16 Information claimed as CBI in accordance with this Notice will be disclosed only to the extent.and by means of the
procedures,set forth in 40 CFR Part 2,Subpart B.
In accordance with 2 CFR§200.208,2 CFR§ 200.339,and 2 CFR§200.340,EPA is provided authority
for multiple potential responses if a grantee violates the terms of the grant agreement.
E. Program Administration Activities
Under 2 CFR§200.403 and other applicable provisions of 2 CFR Part 200,Subpart E,costs are allowable
under federal awards so long as they are necessary and reasonable for the performance of the grant award.
Under this NOFO,consistent with these regulations,program administration activities are allowable costs,
with such activities supporting administration of the grant program. Program administration activities
include (but are not limited to) conducting due diligence and underwriting financial transactions;
establishing and convening advisory councils; conducting program performance and other reporting
activities(e.g.,expenditures for personnel and equipment to procure technology infrastructure and expertise
for data analysis, performance, and evaluation); and supporting, monitoring, overseeing, and auditing
subrecipients,contractors,and program beneficiaries.
F. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Awareness
Recipients of awards under this NOFO need to be alert and sensitive to indicators of fraud,waste,and abuse
regarding the use of federal funds under the award.Fraud generally is a false representation about a material
fact and can be any intentional deception designed to unlawfully deprive the United States or the EPA of
something of value or to secure for an individual a benefit,privilege,allowance,or consideration to which
he or she is not entitled.Waste generally involves the taxpayers not receiving a reasonable value for money
in connection with any government-funded activities due to an inappropriate act or omission.Most waste
does not involve a violation of law;rather,waste relates primarily to mismanagement,inappropriate actions,
and inadequate oversight.Abuse generally involves behavior that is deficient or improper when compared
with behavior that a prudent person would consider reasonable and necessary business practice given the
facts and circumstances. Abuse may also include misuse of authority or position for personal financial
interests of those of an immediate or close family member or business associate.Abuse does not necessarily
involve fraud or violation of always,regulations or grant provisions. Indicators of fraud,waste,and abuse
can be found on the EPA Office of Inspector General website.Recipients should report any suspected fraud,
waste,and/or abuse to the EPA Project Officer for the award or the EPA Office of Inspector General.Note
that EPA Project Officers will refer matters to the EPA Office of Inspector General as appropriate.
G. Quality Management Plans(QMPs) & Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs)
Quality assurance documentation is required for awards that involve environmental information operations.
EPA Project Officers will work with all selected recipients on quality assurance(QA)requirements.Once
the award is made, if a QMP and / or QAPP is required for the project, the applicant will develop the
document and submit for EPA's approval. Selected applicants cannot begin environmental information
operations until EPA approves the QMP and/or QAPP.
Environmental Information Operations: A collective term that encompasses the collection,production,
evaluation,or use of environmental information and the design, construction,operation,or application of
environmental technology. Environmental information includes data and information that describe
environmental processes or conditions. Examples include but are not limited to: direct measurements of
environmental parameters or processes, analytical testing results of environmental conditions (e.g.,
geophysical,or hydrological conditions),information on physical parameters or processes collected using
environmental technologies,calculations or analyses of environmental information, information provided
by models,information compiled or obtained from databases,software applications,decision support tools,
websites,existing literature,and other sources,and development of environmental software,tools,models,
methods,and applications.
Quality Management Plan(QMP): The recipient may need to develop a QMP. The QMP describes an
organization's Quality Program. Requirements for QMPs are found in the most recent version of EPA's
Quality Management Standard. A QMP documents the technical activities to be performed and how the
program will integrate QA, quality control, QAPPs,training, etc., into all its environmental information
operations.
Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP): The recipient may need to develop a QAPP(s). A QAPP
describes how environmental information operations are planned,implemented,documented,and assessed
during the life cycle of a project. Requirements for QAPPs are found in the most recent version of EPA's
Quality Assurance Project Plan Requirements 1 Standard Quality Assurance Project Plans(QAPP).Quality
assurance is sometimes applicable to assistance projects (see 2 CFR 1500.12). Quality assurance
requirements apply to the collection of environmental data. Environmental(data are any measurements or
information that describe environmental processes,location,or conditions;ecological or health effects and
consequences; or the performance of environmental technology. Environmental data include information
collected directly from measurements,produced from models, and compiled from other sources, such as
databases or literature. Once the award is made, if a Quality Assurance Project Plan is required for the
project,the applicant will have to draft a QAPP prior to beginning work on the project. You must reserve
time and financial resources in the beginning of your project to prepare your QAPP and include the cost for
developing your QAPP in your Detailed Budget.Selected applicants cannot begin data collection until EPA
approves the QAPP.
Section \TII. Contact Information
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For information or questions about this NOFO,please email:CCGP(a7.epa.gov
1
F
Appendix A. Definition of Disadvantaged Communities and Mapping
Requirements
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Applicants must demonstrate that the projects in their application would benefit a disadvantaged
community. EPA is defining disadvantaged community as one that meets at least one of the following
criteria:
1. A geographically-defined community identified as disadvantaged on the EPA IRA Disadvantaged
Communities Map. The map combines multiple datasets (including CEJST and EJScreen) that
determine whether a community is disadvantaged for the purposes of implementing programs under
the IRA.All datasets are assigned values at the Census block group level."Instructions for how to
use the map to identify disadvantaged community eligibility are below under the section titled
"EPA's IRA Disadvantaged Community Layer Availability."
2. A community that falls into one of the following two categories'$:
a. A farmworker community comprised of individuals with no fixed work address,who travel
from their permanent residence to work in agriculture on a temporary or seasonal basis,
and may relocate several times throughout the year. Applicants can demonstrate that a
farmworker community is comprised of such individuals by submitting verification
documentation from an authorizing governmental entity or through comparable means.
b. A Disadvantaged Unincorporated Community(DUC).For purposes of this NOFO,DUCs
are generally defined as Census Designated Place&' that lack fixed legally determined
geographic boundaries and have certain common characteristics and conditions(e.g.,the
absence of adequate permanent water, sewer services, or acceptable housing). This
includes all areas defined as Colonias by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development(HUD)."Colonias that are not defined by HUD but are identifiable on the
"Colonias" layer in EJScreen are also considered DUCs. DUC status can also be
demonstrated through submitting localized data that represent similar characteristics.
Applicants who seek funding for projects in a DUC Targeted Investment Area should
demonstrate eligibility using the DUC criteria listed above. Applicants should direct
questions to CCGPit epa.goy regarding verification.
17 The EPA IRA Disadvantaged Community User Layer Guide includes: 1)All census tracts that are identified as
disadvantaged in the Climate&Economic Justice Screening Tool CEJST);2)Any census block group that is at or
above the 90th percentile for any of EJScreen's Supplemental Indexes when compared to the nation or state,and!or
3)any geographic area within Tribal lands(including Alaska Native Allotments,Alaska Native Villages,American
Indian Reservations,American Indian Off-reservation Trust Lands,&Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Areas),as included
in EJScreen. Note: CEJST is a tool used to identify disadvantaged communities in furtherance of the Justice40
Initiative from EO 14008. EPA's EJScreen is an environmental justice mapping and screening toot that provides
demographic and environmental information at a fine geographic resolution across the United States. The data
described above from these tools are used to help ensure that projects benefit disadvantaged communities.
1s Applicants are encouraged to acknowledge when communities identified in the following two categories overlap
with the disadvantaged communities described above.
19 Census Designated Places (CDPs)are statistical equivalents of incorporated places and represent unincorporated
communities that do not have a legally defined boundary or an active,functioning governmental structure.
20 Colonias History —Ht.D Exchan_e.
Project Area and Project Area Map for Track I Applications
Track I Applications
For Track I applications,applicants must define the specific disadvantaged community that the projects and
supporting activities will directly benefit by submitting to EPA one contiguous Project Area Map with an
outlined boundary as instructed below.
The Project Area Map should also reflect where each project submitted under the application is located
within the Project Area.The Project Area may include multiple census block groups(or the equivalent)that
are designated as a disadvantaged community by EPA as defined above. All projects and activities should
be located within the Project Area,except in cases where the project must be located outside of the Project
Area to address the localized pollution issue at the source,or where otherwise necessary to ensure that the
disadvantaged community will benefit from the project.One such example is if the project addresses water
quality issues upstream to benefit a downstream community. While projects and activities may have an
incidental benefit to census block groups (or other areas) that are not considered disadvantaged
communities,the applicant must demonstrate that the projects' primary benefits will flow to disadvantaged
communities in the Project Area.
Applicants may submit a map generated in EPA's EJScreen tool.Applicants also have the option to submit
a map in another geospatial format such as a shapefile(.shp),geodatabase(gbd),or map service if census
data is not available for the community.
The submitted map should include the following:
a. The Project Area with an outlined boundary.
b. Main streets,landmarks,or both.
c. Community assets(e.g.,parks or play areas,schools,community center).
d. Jurisdictional boundaries, including incorporated and unincorporated areas.
e. Any other attributes that may provide important context about the Project Area.
Note: While Track II applications are not required to submit a Project Area Map,as stated in Section III.D
and IV.B they must describe and identify the disadvantaged communities that will benefit from the projects.
EPA's IRA Disadvantaged Community Layer Availability
Within EJScreen,EPA's IRA Disadvantaged Community layer can be found in the"Places''tab by clicking
the"Justice40/IRA"category.and then selecting"EPA IRA Disadvantaged Communities."Census tracts
designated as disadvantaged by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) are also
available in the same category. See screenshots below.
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''Select Multiple."Click on the disadvantaged community,and when the pop-up appears,select`'EJScreen
Community Report."
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For disadvantaged communities that cannot be identified using the "EPA IRA Disadvantaged
Communities" layer, applicants must describe the communities and indicate how the project will benefit
them.Applicants may use other layers featured in EJScreen to help identify these communities.
If you would like the data products and technical document associated with this map layer, please visit:
Inflation Reduction Act Environmental and Climate Justice Program.
Appendix B. Partnership Agreement between the Lead Applicant and
Statutory Partner
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To be eligible for funding,the Lead Applicant must include in the application a copy of a written and signed
Partnership Agreement with the Statutory Partner that is legally binding. At a minimum, the Partnership
Agreement must specify the following:
• Who will be the Lead Applicant and the Statutory Partner.
• The Lead Applicant is responsible for the overall management, performance, oversight, and
reporting responsibilities under the grant,and for making subawards to Collaborating Entities.
• The Lead Applicant will be responsible for the receipt of federal funds from EPA and the proper
expenditure of these funds and will bear liability for unallowable costs.
• The roles and responsibilities of the Lead and Statutory Partner for project activities and how
disputes between them will be handled and resolved. Please note that EPA is not a party to the
Partnership Agreement, and any disputes between the parties must be resolved under the law
applicable to the Partnership Agreement.
• The Lead Applicant is responsible for compliance and legal issues,and managing risks associated
with the project.It must also describe the procedures for replacing a Statutory Partner with another
Statutory Partner, and for ensuring the replacement has the comparable expertise. experience,
knowledge, and qualifications of the replaced Statutory Partner to ensure successful grant
completion within 3 years. Replacement may be necessary for various reasons including
performance issues. Note that replacement requires prior approval by an authorized EPA official
pursuant to 2 CFR 200.308(c)6).
• The Lead Applicant and Statutory Partner's agreement, if the proposed application is selected for
award,to enter a subaward that complies with the subaward requirements in the grant regulations
at 2 CFR 200.331 and in EPA's Subaward Policy and related guidance and that contains terms and
conditions including those above.
Appendix C. Climate Action Strategies and Associated Project Activities
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Eligible project activities associated with each Climate Action Strategy identified in Section I.G. of the
NOFO could include but are not limited to the following examples. Applicants may propose different
activities as long as they are consistent with the applicable Climate Action Strategy as described in Section
I.G of the NOFO and are eligible for funding under section 138(b)(2)of the Clean Air Act.
Strategy 1: Green Infrastructure and Nature-based Solutions
Examples:
• Building climate resilience and carbon sequestration through tree planting
o Mitigate urban heat islands through reflective surfaces and shade trees or other vegetation,
including preparing planting sites and establishing and caring for trees and other
vegetation.
o Plant trees in public spaces.
o Plant trees in sites that are strategically selected to shade buildings(i.e.,planted within 60
feet of a building).
• Multi-benefit stormwater projects
o Construct permeable surfaces, collection basins, rain gardens, bioswales and other green
infrastructure.
o Restore and/or protect wetlands.
o Improve urban forest site(s)to create new or more functional planting locations for trees
and other vegetation,such as bioswales,which contribute to:
• Greening to protect and conserve community lands and water;
• Watershed protection that supports sensitive wildlife habitat and enhances water
access.;and/or
• Replacement of concrete or pavement and restoring spaces to more natural
conditions to restore water to the community,reduce flooding,and improve public
greenspace.
• Public parks and open spaces
o Create new parks or enhance/expand existing parks to provide climate resilience benefits
like heat island reduction and flood mitigation or other demonstrable environmental
benefits.
o Green existing schoolyards to protect vulnerable populations by adding nature-based
solutions.
Strategy 2:Mobility and Transportation Options for Preventing Air Pollution and Improving Public
Health and Climate Resilience
Examples:
• Construct new, expanded, or enhanced bikeways, walkways. or non-motorized urban trails that
reduce vehicle miles traveled and related air pollution by providing safe routes for zero-emission
travel between residences,workplaces,commercial and community centers,and schools.
• Implement ''Complete Streets" projects to improve walkability, bike-ability, and transit use,
including improved access for people with disabilities. projects to improve walkability, bike-
ability, and transit use, including improved access for people with disabilities that reduce vehicle
miles traveled and related air pollution.
• Implement climate resilience measures on bikeways or trailways such as raising the elevation or
installing permeable pavers to reduce flooding or increasing shade coverage to mitigate extreme
heat.
• Conduct the measurement,analysis,design,planning and engineering work necessary to submit a
competitive application for state and/or federal funding that will fund large-scale improvements
(larger than this competition is able to fund)to significantly reduce a community's Greenhouse Gas
(GHG)emissions and/or improve climate resilience.
• Purchase, lease, or contract for the use of zero-emission vehicles for community car sharing,
vanpooling,ride-sharing,and related mobility options.
• Purchase,construct,and/or install infrastructure,equipment,or facilities to create and/or support
low or zero-emission transportation options.
Guidelines:
• Transportation projects that involve public transit or improvements to public property should
include a governmental agency as a Collaborating Entity that will help perform and oversee the
project.
Strategy 3: Energy-Efficient,Healthy,Resilient Housing and Buildings
Examples:
• Install energy efficiency measures such as insulation.double or triple glazed windows."cool roofs"
that reflect sunlight,and energy management systems in public buildings.
• Install ventilation systems to help improve indoor air quality during pollution-related events such
as wildfires.
• Install or retrofit homes or multi-family housing with higher-efficiency electric heating, cooling,
and cooking systems (e.g., heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric and induction stoves,
electric clothes dryers).
• Reduce heat island effects by installing cool roofs on homes, multi-family housing. or public
buildings.
• Implement other similar projects qualified under HLD s Green and Resilient Retrofit Procram
GRRPj.Note that applicants who have received or will receive HUD funding under this program
must have internal controls in place to ensure that the same costs are not charged to more than one
Federal grant.'-'
Guidelines:
• In their Project Narrative,applicants should describe how low-income residents will directly benefit
from the project through lower costs and how residents will be trained on how to operate and
maintain new technology and equipment,where applicable.
• For projects that will fund home or multi-family housing improvements,applicants should include
details of their target tenants or homeowners, such as with those incomes at or below the greater
of:
o For Metropolitan Areas:(1)80%Area Median Income(AMI)and(2)200%of the Federal
Poverty Level
21 Refer to 2 CFR 200.403(fl.
o For Non-Metropolitan Areas: (1) 80% AMI; (2) 80% Statewide Nonmetropolitan Area
AMI;and(3)200%of the Federal Poverty Level
• Applicants may also target community housing(e.g.,land bank,housing conservancy,cooperative,
or other community-based nonprofit)or public housing for this strategy.
• Applicants should refer to the description of the Community Strength Plan in the NOFO,
particularly the need to minimize the risks associated with displacing current residents due to EPA-
funded investments for this strategy.
Strategy 4: Microgrid Installation for Community Energy Resilience
Examples:
• Construct microgrid infrastructure.
• Install microgrids with onsite renewable energy generation and storage.
• Install ancillary energy infrastructure necessary to support microgrids.
• Install other energy infrastructure for microgrid operations.
Guidelines:
• The application should include details that demonstrate the extent to which the microgrid will serve
the target community, such as: that the microgrid will be used to ensure that reliable power is
provided for any community-serving buildings or critical facilities during extreme weather
emergencies or any weather-related outages; that the community lacks an external grid, and the
microgrid will be used to meet local energy consumption needs during normal or -blue sky"
conditions; or where an external grid is available, that the microgrid will be capable of
interconnecting with that grid to meet peak energy consumption demands and increase grid
reliability.
Strategy 5:Community Resilience Hubs
Examples:
• Assess the most acute climate risks facing a community (e.g., extreme heat, flooding, wildfire),
identify where the community has gaps in its resilience strategy, then design a plan to mitigate
specific risks by creating or upgrading community facilities to serve as resilience hubs that remain
operable during an emergency.
• Purchase and install backup power equipment such as generators or onsite solar and storage at one
or more resilience hubs.
• Implement structural and non-structural retrofits to enhance the resilience of the hub(e.g.,raise the
building elevation to reduce flood risk, improve cooling systems and / or insulation to reduce
extreme heat risk).
• Implement wildfire mitigation measures such as retrofitting the hub to reduce flammability,
creating a defensible space between the hub and its surrounding environment, and installing air
filtration equipment to reduce the risks of smoke inhalation.
• Purchase and install communications devices that can operate even with loss of local power and
telecommunications systems.
Guidelines:
• The resilience hubs should be operable during an emergency.Applicants are encouraged to develop
plans that will help ensure the facility is operable, including an emergency communications plan,
plan for backup power during emergencies,and agreements and processes for activating the facility
in the event of an emergency.
• The community resilience hub should be a community-convening space that provides climate
resilience and related resources and services to community residents.
• Applicants should demonstrate how they will work with relevant emergency response
organizations to maximize the efficacy and use of the resilience hub.
Strategy 6: Brownfields Redevelopment
Examples:
• Build and/or upgrade existing structures and sites to improve community use while reducing GHG
emissions and/or improving climate resilience.
• Implement greening efforts (tree-planting, park construction or renovations, community garden
developments,etc.)that mitigate GHG emissions and/or improve climate resilience.
• Install low or zero emission energy infrastructure such as solar and storage.
• Conduct deconstruction and green demolition activities to support adaptive reuse or new
construction. Applicants can refer to EPA's Climate Smart Brownfields Manual for information
about green demolition activities.
• Acquire land to enable a brownfield redevelopment that has emissions mitigation and/or climate
resilience benefits.
Guidelines:
• Redevelopment sites eligible for funding must be consistent with the federal definition of a
Brownfield site in 42 U.S.C. 9601(39) as follows: a brownfield is a property, the expansion,
redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a
hazardous substance,pollutant,or contaminant.
• Projects for adaptive reuse should explore and can leverage national and state historic preservation
tax credits to maximize funding streams."
• Applicants must demonstrate that no cleanup activities will be performed at the site,and/or that
cleanup activities are not necessary at the site.This can be demonstrated by one of the following:
o A completed Phase I Environmental Site Assessment with no recognized environmental
conditions(RECs)at actionable levels;
o A completed Phase II Environmental Site Assessment with sampling result levels below
actionable levels;
o Lead or asbestos building survey or equivalent environmental or building investigation to
determine no likely sources of contamination or hazardous materials will be encountered
on site that pose risks to the adjacent community or occupational health and safety risks to
workers;or
o No Further Action letter from the state or Tribal Brownfields response program.
22 See guidelines for rax incentives for Preserving Historic Properties.
Strategy 7:Waste Reduction and Management to Support a Circular Economy"
Examples:
• Implement a community-scale composting program to reduce emissions from food waste that
includes an educational campaign to inform Project Area residents about climate benefits of
reducing food waste.
• Implement a community-scale recycling program.
• Reduce emissions from food waste by implementing programs that distribute unused food to
project area residents.
Guidelines:
• Where relevant, applicants should demonstrate that all inedible food scraps derived from projects
are composted,and that other materials are diverted from landfills and support a circular economy.
• Where relevant,project activities should demonstrate how they are using EPA best practices related
to the circular economy or other sources of guidance.24 Resources include the Planning for Natural
Disaster Debris guidance and Sustainable and Resilient Communities Through Solid Waste
Investments and Best Practices After Disasters.
• Applicants should consider EPA's ranking of wasted food management pathways and EPA Waste
Management hierarchy for sustainable materials management.
Strategy 8:Workforce Development Programs for Occupations that Reduce GHG Emissions and Air
Pollutants
This strategy allows applicants to propose workforce development programs that will help reduce GHG
emissions and other air pollutants to benefit disadvantaged communities.
This strategy allows applicants to propose workforce development programs for employment in fields that
will help reduce GHG emissions and other air pollutants to benefit disadvantaged communities. A wide
range of occupations support the reduction of GHG emissions and air pollutants. Because EPA cannot
provide an exhaustive list of such occupations,applicants should describe how their workforce development
program will support the reduction of GHG emissions or other air pollutants.
Examples of career pathways that may be part of a workforce development program include but are not
limited to:electricians,steamfitters,pipefitters, laborers,and other skilled trades occupations that support
building electrification, renewable energy projects,and other similar activities;occupations related to the
manufacturing of low-and zero-emission technologies; careers in low-and zero-emissions transportation
such as vehicle mechanics supporting electric vehicle technologies; community health and outreach
workers that assist households in reducing their emissions and addressing sources of pollution;and other
careers related to emissions reduction, such as methane mitigation or agricultural carbon mitigation.
Applicants should describe how their workforce development program will support the reduction of GHG
emissions or other air pollutants.
Guidelines:
23 A circular economy is generally described as a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing,
leasing,reusing,repairing,refurbishing,and recycling materials and products as long as possible and based on three
main principles:eliminate waste and pollution,circulate products and materials,and regenerate nature.
24 Refer to EPA's guidance on the Circular Economy '.. L S EPa
As noted in Section I.G of the NOFO,strong workforce development programs should include the following
three features at a minimum:
1. Multi-sectoral partnerships that bring together workforce expertise and enable pathways into
high-quality careers.
The foundation of a strong workforce development initiative is a set of partners that represent diverse
expertise, community and worker voice, and employer needs. For these programs. applicants may
collaborate with organizations with workforce development expertise,such as labor unions.tradeswomen
organizations, local workforce development boards (locate yours using this U.S. Department of Labor
search tool), career and technical schools, community colleges, workforce development nonprofits, and
other similar organizations.
Examples of the types of expertise and experience that are important for a successful workforce
development program include,but are not limited to:
• Technical skills and experience to lead classroom and on-the-job training, including equipping
students and individuals with the skills needed to succeed and be safe on the job, including
knowledge of new and emerging greenhouse gas and other air emissions-reduction technologies;
• Knowledge of the local, State,and regional labor market and relevant relationships to have a deep
understanding of employer hiring, staffing,and skilling needs, emerging trends especially related
to the clean energy transition,and considerations for local job quality and worker voice;
• Strong awareness of the barriers individuals in the community face to training and employment,
including an understanding of unique barriers specific populations face, and clear strategies for
how to address those barriers;and
• Established relationships of trust within the community, including knowledge of relevant history
and community dynamics, in addition to meaningful. long-lasting relationships in the community
that will support trainee recruitment and participation.
2. High-quality training models that are worker-centered,demand-driven,and lead to good jobs.
Workforce development projects should be focused on training individuals for high-quality, long-term
career pathways in family-sustaining jobs,rather than short-term or temporary,low-wage jobs.Applications
should demonstrate that the workforce development project fulfills an industry demand in the Project Area
and surrounding region, is informed and supported by employers, and has a clear pathway to long-term
employment with family-sustaining wages. This will be key to delivering programs that enable true
economic mobility for individuals in disadvantaged communities and bolster the capacity of communities
to respond to environmental justice concerns in a sustained fashion.
Examples of high-quality, evidence-backed training models are: Apprenticeship readiness programs (or
"pre-apprenticeships")with a connection to one or more Registered Apprenticeship Programs; Registered
Apprenticeship Programs(registered via the U.S.Department of Labor(DOL)Office of Apprenticeship or
State Apprenticeship Agency);Joint Labor-Management Training Programs;paid internships;partnerships
with community colleges or vocational schools that award an industry-recognized credential; and similar
models that combine on-the-job learning, classroom learning, and mentorship. DOL has a resource on
"high-road training programs"that applicants are invited to review here.
Workforce development programs can serve adult or youth populations. Applicants may consider high-
quality youth-serving training models, including: pre-apprenticeship programs that prepare young people
to enter Registered Apprenticeship Programs;career and technical education programs(as described by the
s' .,.�, , "'4 p .1'E.'R ., #, ram+ , t.:�ae b
•
C.S.Department of Education);and other similar models.Please note that applicants may propose programs
to be included in the American Climate Corps(ACC),which is a federal government initiative focused on
training young people for high-demand skills for jobs in the clean energy economy.To qualify as an ACC
program, the program must provide youth with at least 300 hours of paid skills-based training and / or
service. Applicants submitting a workforce development project to be considered for the ACC should note
that in their application.
3.Strategies for recruiting and retaining individuals from disadvantaged communities,especially for
populations that face disproportionate barriers to employment.
It is a statutory requirement (section 138(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act) for this program to benefit
disadvantaged communities. These benefits may include providing opportunities to individuals with
barriers to training and/or employment,so they can find long-term employment and economic opportunity
in fields associated with air pollutants and GHG reduction.Projects should be designed with comprehensive
research and evidence-based strategies for addressing barriers to recruitment, training, employment, and
retention. Examples include supportive services to meet the needs of the disadvantaged community,such
as childcare and transportation assistance;life skills and basic skills training,such as financial literacy and
job readiness,to prepare for a career related to GHG and air pollutant reduction;career services, such as
developing individualized employment plans; peer-to-peer mentorship programs to connect experienced
workers with new workers to help them learn the job and find a sense of belonging workplace;
g� g in the work face;
reasonable accommodations consistent with federal equal employment opportunity laws; coaching to
support work-based learning;and case workers to support workers with barriers to employment.
Applicants proposing a workforce development project are encouraged to describe the following
elements and any additional details identified by the applicant:
• Design of the program, including if the applicant is proposing a high-quality, evidence-backed
training model as described above,and a description of the credential(s)the participants will earn.
• Duration of the program and program components.such as time spent in classroom and on-the-job
training.Applicants are encouraged to also describe ongoing support participants will receive once
they exit the training program and connect to full-time employment to support retention.
• How applicants will engage employers and how the program will connect to high-quality jobs.
Applicants can review the federal Good Jobs Principles here.
• Estimated number of participants that will be trained in the program.
• Plan for how the program will recruit participants and how the program will build visibility and
trust among residents of the Project Area.
• Curriculum the program will use and how it is informed by industry standards and employer
demand.
• Wages or stipends for the duration of the program.Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide
reasonable compensation for time spent in training to increase participation and retention.
• Strategies the program will use to meet the needs of populations that experience barriers to training
and employment.
• Applicant's approach to administering supportive services to mitigate barriers to training and
employment.
• Indicators the program will use to evaluate success as well as the methodology the program will
use to track the progress of participants during and after the program.Applicants may review the
Six Primary Indicators of Performance used by the public workforce system,as described by the
Department of Labor here.
Appendix D. Pollution Reduction Strategies and Associated Project
Activities
(back to the Table of Contents)
Eligible project activities associated with each Pollution Reduction Strategy could include but are not
limited to the following examples.Applicants may propose different activities as long as the activities are
consistent with the applicable Pollution Reduction Strategy described in Section 1.G of the NOFO and are
eligible for funding under section 138(b)(2)of the Clean Air Act.
Strategy 1: Indoor Air Quality and Community Health Improvements
Examples:
• Remediate or mitigate harmful substances in buildings,including lead,mercury,pesticides,radon,
mold,PCBs(caulk,flooring,etc.), lead-based paint,asbestos,and other toxic substances?'
• Install,upgrade.or replace HVAC and/or filtration systems that improve indoor quality in schools,
community-serving buildings,and single-and-multifamily homes.These upgrades may be done in
conjunction with climate strategies that reduce building GHG emissions.
• Equip community centers and community buildings in agricultural worker communities with
decontamination stations(e.g., publicly available shower and laundry stations)to eliminate take-
home pesticide exposures.
• Purchase equipment that can enable "do-it-yourself' upgrades using research-based methods,to
distribute within communities impacted by smoke.
• Replace wood heaters that do not meet EPA's New Source Performance Standards with more
efficient,cleaner heaters certified by EPA,and independently verified to meet(or to have emissions
below) the most stringent Step 2 emission reduction standards described in Standards of
Performance for New Residential Wood Heaters,New Residential Hydronic Heaters,and Forced-
Air Furnaces heaters.
Strategy 2:Outdoor Air Quality and Community Health Improvements
Examples:
• Reduce exposure from mobile and stationary sources by:
o developing or expanding vegetative barriers.
o creating alternate truck route programs to decrease impacts to sensitive communities.
o providing grants, rebates, or subsidies for households, small businesses, public partners,
and community organizations to replace portable diesel equipment such as leaf blowers
and lawn mowers with zero-emission alternatives.
o retrofitting spray booths in local small businesses to reduce VOC contamination from auto
body painters.
o providing grants,rebates,or subsidies for backup battery systems to replace diesel backup
generators in homes,public facilities,or small businesses.
• Create clean air zones or low-emission zones such as:
25 The prohibition on using Community Change Grant funding to remediate Brownfields sites does not apply to this
activity.
o Encouraging "last-mile" delivery through electric delivery vehicles (e.g., trucks, vans,
cargo bikes).
o Electrifying local government-owned fleets providing services to communities (e.g.,
sanitation trucks,public buses).
o Implementing urban designs that promote air flow and reduce the concentration of
pollution along street corridors (e.g., remove or reduce costly parking mandates, reduce
idling of diesel vehicles).
• Implement sustainable construction practices such as minimizing dust and emissions during
building projects(e.g..electrify equipment.cover construction sites,utilize water sprays,properly
manage waste).
• Replace toxic play surfaces that emit harmful pollutants (e.g., tire crumb and certain turfs at
schools, community playgrounds, and fields) with non-toxic, permeable options to provide safe
places for children to play.
• Develop other policies that promote reductions in air pollution from transportation such as land use
and zoning policies that enable households to live in affordable, dense, and vibrant communities
within urban and rural areas.
Guidelines:
• Communities seeking funding for zero-emission school buses should encourage their local school
district apply to EPA's$5 billion Clean School Bus program.
Strategy 3: Clean Water Infrastructure to Reduce Pollution Exposure and Increase Overall System
Resilience
Examples:
• Perform targeted infrastructure upgrades such as:
o Replacing private-side lead lines in a home.childcare facility,school,or other community-
serving building during full lead service line replacement'6
o Septic to sewer conversions that connect homes to nearby community water systems.
o Installing working water fountains at schools and parks where there are no fountains or
they are inoperable,malfunctioning,or contaminated.
o Installing water conservation and efficiency technologies that will allow utilities to better
monitor and reduce energy consumption onsite.
o Installing water reuse technologies that allow for system decreases in both energy and
water use efficiencies through water capture, loss prevention,and closed loop approaches.
• Prepare and apply for state and/or federal water infrastructure funding to address larger community
needs(e.g., a leak detection and pipe replacement plan. a PFAS action plan,or upgrades to water
and wastewater treatment facilities that reduce pollution)by:
o Assessing the problem through water sampling and monitoring.
o Developing a plan. which could include the necessary design and engineering work.
o Preparing an application for federal funding to one of several sources such as to EPA's
State Revolving Loan funds.
• Provide emergency interventions such as:
26 EPk's Drinking Water Regulations for Lead. Lead Service Lines. Strategies to achieve Full Lead Service Line
Replacement.
o providing recurring point-of-use filters while communities await lead service line
replacement.
o providing alternate water supplies for communities and buildings that have contaminated
water(PFAS, lead, PCBs,arsenic,nitrates, etc.)in communities with contaminated water
systems.
o adopting facility procedures or system upgrades that allow for service flexibilities,
mobility,and continuity in the event of an emergency due to climate-related disaster events.
Guidelines:
• The projects should also include a public outreach/education campaign on safe drinking water and
/or wastewater,working with the public water system where possible.'
• Activities should be coordinated with the EPA funded Environmental Finance Centers to minimize
duplication of effort.
Strategy 4: Safe Management and Disposal of Solid and Hazardous Waste
Examples:
• Purchase equipment for hazardous waste sampling to determine classification.
• Collect, process, recycle, or otherwise dispose of household hazardous waste and electronics
programs and infrastructure.
• Conduct compliance oversight for the collection, processing, recycling,storage and disposition of
household hazardous waste and electronics.
• Develop or expand hazardous waste collection, recycling, and safe recycling programs and
infrastructure.
• Develop or expand safe disposal technologies for hazardous waste.
• Reduce demand for single-use plastic products(by installing public water bottle refill stations and
water fountains or implementing community and city-scale water reuse and refill systems). and
phasing out single-use products that may be unnecessary.
27 EPA on Reducing Lead in Drinking V ater.EPA Communication Plan 3 r s.Basic Information about't our Drinking
1k ater.
28 Drinking Water Analytical N,lethods.
Appendix E. Job Quality & Equitable Employment Opportunities
(back to the Table of Contents)
It is a priority of the EPA that this grant program supports high-quality, family-sustaining, community-
strengthening jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union, consistent with Executive Order 14082,
Implementation of the Energy and Infrastructure Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of2022.As such,
EPA is interested in funding proposals that have a commitment to creating good jobs and utilizing a diverse,
highly skilled workforce, including an emphasis on creating employment opportunities for populations
living in communities that are disadvantaged.
This supports the broader goals of environmental justice by making sure federal funds are spent on Climate
Action and Pollution Reduction projects that have a commitment to strong labor standards,creating stronger
communities where worker,employer,and community needs are collectively met.Characteristics of a good
job include strong wages and family-sustaining benefits;worker empowerment and neutrality with respect
to union organizing and collective bargaining;work environments that promote worker health and safety;
job security; equitable workforce development pathways and opportunities for career advancement; and
supportive services, such as childcare and transportation, to support individuals that face barriers to
employment;among others. When considering how to support job quality,EPA encourages applicants to
review the eight Good Jobs Principles developed by the U.S. Department of Labor and Department of
Commerce. The Department of Labor has produced several resources that help potential applicants
understand the Good Jobs Principles and implement them through federal funding programs including:
Good Jobs in Federal Investments: A Toolkit for Employers. Workers, and Government; Good Jobs
Initiative Job Quality Check List;Good Jobs in Federal Investments: Data and Reporting Appendix.
Grant funding for construction projects under this program is subject to Davis Bacon and Related Acts
prevailing wage laws as provided in Section 314 of the Clean Air Act.Beyond this requirement,applicants
are encouraged to articulate additional strategies they will use to deliver on the goals outlined above,
including ensuring high labor standards and a diverse workforce to benefit the local community where the
EPA funded work is taking place.These commitments should be concrete,specific,and measurable rather
than vague statements, and may be integrated into EPA's agreement with the recipient through
programmatic terms and conditions.
r
Appendix F. Track I and II Outputs and Outcomes
(hack to the T able oJ'C-'ontents)
The term`output"means an environmental activity,effort,and/or associated work product related to an
environmental/public health goal and objective that will be produced or provided over a period or by a
specified date. Outputs may be quantitative or qualitative but must be measurable during the assistance
agreement funding period.
'The term "outcome" means the result, effect, or consequence that will occur from carrying out an
environmental / public health program or activity that is related to an environmental / public health
1 programmatic goal or objective. Outcomes may be environmental, behavioral, health-related, or
programmatic in nature, but must be quantitative. They may not necessarily be achievable within the
assistance agreement funding period.
Examples of expected outputs and outcomes for the Track I and II awards under this NOFO include but are
not limited to the following as applicable depending on the strategies and projects in the application.
Applicants may identify additional outputs and outcomes as relevant to their specific strategies and projects
in their application.
Track I Output and Outcome Examples
Strategy Output Examples Outcome Examples
Climate Action Strategies
Strategy 1:Green •Coastal green infrastructure •Increased green space as measured
Infrastructure and projects,including blue-green by square footage of added
Nature-based Solutions trails(#) greenspace
•Green/complete streets, •Increased resilience to extreme
sidewalks,bus stops(#) weather and climate conditions as
•Green/cool roofs(#) measured by reduction in flash
•Area of impermeable surfaces flooding events,improved
replaced with vegetation(acres) groundwater recharge,and cooler
•New parks and/or public green
space developed(acres) ambient temperatures during heat
•New shade tree canopy(square waves
footage.#of shade trees •Increased community resilience as
planted) measured by reduced damage and
•Area under implementation of recovery costs for infrastructure,
low tillage/composting property,and cultural resources
practices(acres)
■New community gardens and
greenhouses(#)
Strategy 2:Mobility and •New EVs,bikes/electric bikes, •Reduced air pollution from
Transportation Options and other low-and-zero transportation(e.g.,GHG
for Preventing Air emissions vehicles that are reductions,reduced number of
Pollution and Improving available via carsharing/bike days with unsafe air quality for
Public Health and sharing programs(#) vulnerable populations)
Climate Resilience •Increased use of public
transportation services and
■Streets improved to encourage programs that promote electric
walkability,bike-ability,and vehicles,car sharing,and bike
transit use(#, miles) sharing
•EVs that can be used as backup
power in lieu of diesel
generators(#)
Strategy 3: Energy- •Home energy audits performed •Lower consumption of home
efficient,Healthy, (#) heating fuels(propane,heating oil,
Resilient Housing and •Air sealings completed(#) natural gas,and wood)and
Buildings •Homes insulated(#) reduction in associated climate
•Natural gas appliances replaced pollutants(e.g.,black carbon.
with electric equivalents(#) methane,CO2),as well as ambient
•Mobile homes retrofitted with and indoor emissions of Hazardous
solar panels and storage(#) Air Pollutants and PM2.5.
•Electrification,weatherization, •Decreased incidence of asthma
and HVAC upgrades/
replacements of low-income
houses.apartments.small
businesses,and other
community buildings(#)
•Energy efficient home-heating
appliances installed(#)
■Homes or units converted to
electric heating(#)
Strategy 4: Microgrid •Renewable energy capacity ■Enhanced resilience during
Installation for installed(MW) extreme weather events as
Community Energy •Battery storage installations measured by fewer power
Resilience (MWh) disruptions
•GHG emissions reductions(ton • Increased number of homes
CO2) connected to a resilient power
source
Strategy 5:Community •Space built or converted into a •Enhanced physical safety during
Resilience Hubs community resilient hub(square natural disasters as measured by
ft) the number of hospitalizations and
•Disaster preparedness trainings lives lost among vulnerable
delivered(#) populations
•Stormwater management flood •Increased community awareness of
preparedness training delivered emergency preparedness
(#)
Strategy 6: Brownfield •Impervious surface reduced •Square footage of space
Redevelopment (square footage) redeveloped for resilience
•Community'meetings to involve purposes,such as heat-reducing
impacted residents(#) shade
•Green demolition activities to •New economic opportunities
support adaptive reuse or new created through the redevelopment
construction(#) of previously polluted land(e.g..
•Shade trees planted(#)and new number of business or low-income
vegetation(square footage) housing units)
Strategy 7: Waste •Waste diverted from landfills •Cleaner communities with less
Reduction and (pounds/tons) trash/waste on land and in
Management to Support •Waste recycled(pounds/tons) waterbodies as measured by litter
a Circular Economy •Food waste composted(pounds/ surveys
tons) •Reduced food waste and associated
emissions as measured by weight
of compost diverted from landfills
•Individuals in disadvantaged •Increased literacy among
communities that participate in community members about
workforce training in sectors environmental sectors and skills
related to GHG emissions and required to pursue these jobs
air pollution reduction who are •Increased number of high-quality
currently unemployed,under- workforce training programs,such
employed,or face employment as pre-apprenticeship and
Strategy 8: Workforce barriers(#) Registered Apprenticeship,in
Development Programs •People in disadvantaged disadvantaged communities
for Occupations that communities hired and retained •Increased wages,benefits,job
Reduce Greenhouse Gas into high-quality jobs to reduce quality,and job security for
Emissions and Air air pollution and GHG emissions participants in workforce training
Pollutants based on participation in a programs
workforce training program(#)
■Individuals who receive ages/
stipends and supportive services
delivered to enable community
members' participation in
workforce training programs(#
individuals receiving such wages
/stipends)
Alaskan-specific •Renewable generation capacity •Improved water and soil quality so
Climate Action installed(MW) water/land can be used for
Strategies •Fuel storage facilities repaired Alaskan Native traditional uses
(#) •Increased access to energy sources
•Greenhouses constructed(#) with low air pollution and carbon
•Portable micro-water treatment emissions
systems installed(#) •Protection of cultural resources
including environmental habitats
Pollution Reduction Strategies
Strategy I. Indoor Air ■[Type of]trainings implemented ■Increased public and
Quality and Community (#) environmental health literacy
Health Improvements •Classrooms with air cleaners(#) •Decreased incidence of asthma
■Houses/schools with upgraded/ symptoms as measured by doctor
improved HVAC systems(#) visits or school nurse visits for
■Homes in which moisture issues asthma symptoms
have been addressed(#) •Reduced exposure to radon and
■Wood appliance upgraded or risk of developing radon-induced
replaced(#) lung cancer
Strategy 2:Outdoor Air •Clean air zones or low-emission ■Increased public and
Quality and Community zones created(#) environmental health literacy
Health Improvements
j r> Yx `st 1; ,fit y Y
•Abandoned oil/gas wells •Reduced exposure to PM,carbon
plugged(#) dioxide, VOCs,ozone,nitrogen
•Toxic play surfaces replaced(#) dioxides,and toxics.
•Community monitoring and alert •Increased skill development and
systems installed to alert improvements in community
households to increasing capacity to independently assess
pollution levels(#) air pollution reduction options
•Wildfire smoke preparedness
trainings delivered(#)
Strategy 3:Clean Water •Clean water fountains installed •Decreased levels of water
Infrastructure to Reduce in schools/parks(#) contamination and pollution as
Pollution Exposure and •Full lead service lines replaced measured by boil water advisories,
Increase Overall System for low-income homes(miles) lead poisoning,or water quality
Resilience •Private wells tested for PFAS(#) monitoring results
•Stormwater management/flood •Increased availability of clean,safe
preparedness trainings delivered drinking water
(#)
•Water efficiency systems
installed(e.g.,drought
mitigation systems,rain capture
installations)(#)
Strategy 4: Safe •Lead paint remediations •Decreased exposure to toxics and
Management and completed(#) hazardous chemicals
Disposal of Solid and •Tires diverted from landfills/ •Reduced odors and pathogens
Hazardous Waste the environment to disposal ■Increased residential waste
facilities(#, weight) composting
•Neighborhoods/cities/
residents served through
residential waste composting/
chipping program(#)
•Waste transfer,material reuse.
and/or recycling stations
installed in underserved
communities(#)
Strategy 5: Eliminate •Conventional products replaced •Reduced exposure to hazardous
Harmful Chemicals with Safer Choice-certified or chemicals for those who live and
through Product other EPA recommended work in and near places with
Replacements products(#,volume,customers chemical use and application
impacted)
•Units of PFAS food contact
materials replaced(#)
ANCSA-Specific •Homes served with micro-water •Improved water and soil quality so
Pollution Reduction treatment systems(#) water/land can be used for
Strategies •Planning documents and Alaskan Native traditional uses
Environmental Information •Protection and preservation of
Document created(#) cultural resources including
•Site assessments and initial environmental habitats
cleanups completed(#)
�y ?�ygfi7% a ° i 4 m t � x r 5 p AS t eS v .:
•Reduced exposure to harmful
chemicals and pollutants on
Alaskan Native lands through
remediation of contaminated
lands and buildings(acres of
land.#buildings)
Track II Output and Outcome Examples
Outputs
• New policies developed and implemented in response to community recommendations (e.g.,
through a new advisory council,participatory budgeting)(#)
• Community benefits agreements or memoranda of understanding signed(#)
• Number of community residents who complete a training that builds their capacity to participate in
government processes(#)
• Amount of new funding allocated to benefit disadvantaged communities(dollars)
• Number of residents who participate in a community-based participatory research initiative that
informs a government process and/or priority (#)
• Research products published with data reflecting community opinions and preferences(#)
• Number of educational forums and / or meetings held between governmental officials and
community members(#)
Outcomes
• Increased involvement of individuals from disadvantaged communities in local,state,federal and
other governmental environmental public processes
• Expanded knowledge of local, state, federal and other governmental environmental public
processes among disadvantaged communities
• Stronger relationships and trust between disadvantaged communities and government entities on
matters relating to environmental protection
• More transparent processes for governmental decision-making on environmental protection
policies and greater governmental focus on inclusivity
• Increased accountability and community input into governmental decision-making on
environmental protection policies
• More informed decisions made,and environmental actions taken,by government bodies to benefit
disadvantaged communities
• Enhanced capacity in disadvantaged communities to be involved in local,state, federal, and other
governmental environmental public processes
• Increased funding to enable disadvantaged communities to address environmental and climate
justice issues
• New environmental or climate policies developed to be responsive to community needs
Appendix G. Budget Template
(hack to the !able of Contents)
(This template is optional,and applicants may use a different format for the template).
Category Description Total
Personnel
Fringe Benefits
Travel
Equipment
Supplies
Contractual
Construction
Other(separate by
participant support costs,
subawards,and other costs)
Total Direct Costs(sum of
the above categories)
Indirect Costs
Total Project Costs(sum of
direct and indirect costs)
E•#w..v,.,�... ""'
Guidance for Budget Template
The budget template is an attachment to the application and does not count toward the Project Narrative's
page limit as described in Section IV of the NOFO.Applicants should include applicable rows of costs for
each budget category in their budget template to accurately reflect the proposed application budget for each
year of the grant. EPA provides detailed guidance on budget development in the Interim General Budget
Development Guidance for Applicants and Recipients of EPA Financial Assistance,but applicants may use
other forms instead of this template as long as total costs per category(and specific descriptions of costs)
are included.
Applicants must itemize costs related to personnel,fringe benefits,travel,equipment,supplies,contractual
costs (including acquisitions of intangible property), construction, and other costs (including subawards
and participant support costs)as direct costs. Direct costs plus the indirect costs equal the total project costs.
Descriptions of these cost categories are below. Applicants should be aware that if their projects include
using federal funds to purchase goods, products, and materials on any form of construction, alteration,
maintenance, or repair of infrastructure in the United States, they must comply with the Build America,
Buy America Term and Condition if they are selected for an award.
To facilitate consideration of an application for partial funding, EPA recommends that applicants
separate costs for financial assistance in the program budget by project category, to the extent
practicable.
• Personnel-List all staff positions by title. Give annual salary, percentage of time assigned to
the project,and total cost for the budget period. This category includes only direct costs for the
salaries of those individuals who will perform work directly for the program (paid employees of
the applicant organization as reflected in payroll tax records). Personnel costs do not include: (I)
costs for services of contractors (including individual consultants), which are included in the
"Contractual"category;(2)costs for employees of subrecipients under subawards or non-employee
program participants (e.g., interns or volunteers), which are included in the"Other" category; or
(3) effort that is not directly in support of the proposed program. which may be covered by the
organization's negotiated indirect cost rate. The budget table must identify the personnel category
type by Full Time Equivalent(FTE),including percentage of FTE for part-time employees,number
of personnel proposed for each category,and the estimated funding amounts.
• Fringe Benefits- Identify the percentage used,the basis for its computation,and the types of
benefits included. Fringe benefits are allowances and services provided by employers to their
employees as compensation in addition to regular salaries and wages. Fringe benefits may include,
but are not limited to,the cost of leave,employee insurance, pensions,and unemployment benefit
plans. If the applicant's fringe rate does not include the cost of leave,and the applicant intends to
charge leave to the agreement, it must provide supplemental information describing its proposed
method(s)for determining and equitably distributing these costs.
• Travel - Specify the mileage, per diem, estimated number of trips in-state and out-of-state,
number of travelers, and other costs for each type of travel. Travel may be integral to the
purpose of the proposed program (e.g., site visits); related to proposed program activities (e.g..
attendance at community engagement meetings): or for a technical training or workshop that
supports effective implementation of the program activities(e.g.. consumer awareness activities).
Only include travel costs for employees in the travel category.Travel costs do not include:(1)costs
for travel of contractors(including consultants),which are included in the"Contractual"category;
or (2) travel costs for employees of subrecipients under subawards and non-employee program
participants (e.g., trainees), which are included in the "Other" category. Further, travel does not
include bus rentals for group trips, which would be covered under the "Contractual" category.
Finally, if the applicant intends to use any funds for travel outside the United States, it must be
specifically identified. All proposed foreign travel must be approved by EPA's Office of
International and Tribal Affairs prior to being taken.
• Equipment - Identify each item to be purchased that has an estimated acquisition cost of
$5,000 or more per unit and a useful life of more than one year. Equipment also includes
accessories necessary to make the equipment operational. Equipment does not include: (1)
equipment planned to be leased / rented, including lease/ purchase agreement; or(2) equipment
service or maintenance contracts that are not included in the purchase price for the equipment.
These types of proposed costs must be included in the "Other" category. Items with a unit cost of
less than$5,000 must be categorized as supplies,pursuant to 2 CFR§200.1.The budget table must
include an itemized listing of all equipment proposed under the program. If installation costs are
included in the equipment costs,labor expenses shall be itemized with the detailed number of hours
charged and the hourly wage. If the applicant has written procurement procedures that define a
threshold for equipment costs that is lower than$5,000,then that threshold takes precedence.
• Supplies - "Supplies" means all tangible personal property other than "equipment." The
budget detail should identify categories of supplies to be procured(e.g., laboratory supplies
or office supplies). Non-tangible goods and services associated with supplies, such as printing
services, photocopy services, and rental costs must be included in the"Other"category.
• Contractual - Identify proposed contracts, specifying the purpose and estimated cost for
typical contractual services and disaggregating any costs for acquisitions of intangible
property. Contractual services(including consultant services)are those services to be carried out
by an individual or organization,other than the applicant,in the form of a procurement relationship.
The EP S_.ca,,_L PC1iL. and supplemental frequently asked questions have detailed guidance
available for differentiating between contractors and subrecipients. Leased or rented goods
(equipment or supplies)must be included in the"Other"category. EPA does not require applicants
to identify specific contractors,but if an applicant does so they must demonstrate that the contractor
was selected in compliance with competitive procurement requirements in 2 CFR Parts 200 and
1500. Subcontracts are not subawards and belong in the"Contractual"category.
In the budget description, the applicant should list the proposed contract activities along with a
brief description of the anticipated scope of work or services to be provided, proposed duration.
and proposed procurement method(competitive or non-competitive),if known. Any proposed non-
competed / sole-source contracts more than the applicant's 2 CFR § 200.320(a) micro-purchase
threshold(generally $10,000) must include a justification. Note that EPA rarely accepts proposed
sole source contracts for goods and services (e.g., consulting) that are widely available in the
commercial market absent a copyright, patent, or equipment warranty requirement or similar
restriction that establishes that only one source can provide the necessary good or service; unique
qualifications or long-standing relationships with a grantee do not provide an adequate basis for a
sole source contract. Applicants must provide the aggregate amount they propose to issue as
acquisitions of intangible property as a separate line item in the "Contractual" category. Refer to
the EPA Best Practice Guide for Procuring,_ Supplies, and Equipment Lnder EP-\-\
-Assistance Agreements for EPA's policies on competitive procurements and encouraging the use
of small and disadvantaged business enterprises.
• Other - List each item in sufficient detail for EPA to determine the reasonableness and
allowability of the cost. This category should include only those types of direct costs that do not
fit in any of the other budget categories including subawards, participant support costs, and
additional costs(e.g., insurance, costs for acquiring or improving real property, rental / lease of
equipment or supplies,equipment service or maintenance contracts,and printing or photocopying).
• Subawards-2 CFR§200.1 defines a subaward as"an award provided by a pass-through entity to
a subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out part of a federal award received by the pass-through
entity." 2 CFR § 200.1 defines a Pass-through entity as "a non-federal entity that provides a
subaward to a subrecipient to carry out part of a federal program" and a Subrecipient as "an
entity...that receives a subaward from a pass-through entity to carry out part of a federal award;
but does not include an individual that is a beneficiary of such award." Identify each major
subaward including those with the Collaborating Entities.Applicants must show the individual and
aggregate amounts they propose to issue as subawards.Additional guidance is available in the EPA
Subaward Policy and below.
• Participant Support Costs-2 CFR§200.1 defines participant support costs as"direct costs for
items such as stipends or subsistence allowances,travel allowances,and registration fees paid to or
on behalf of participants or trainees(but not employees)in connection with conferences,or training
projects."EPA regulations at 2 CFR § 1500.1(a)(1)expands the definition of participant support
costs to include "[Sjubsidies, rebates, and other payments to program beneficiaries to encourage
participation in statutorily authorized environmental stewardship programs."Additional guidance
is available in the EPA Guidance on Participant Support Costs.
Indirect Costs
If indirect costs are budgeted, indicate the approved rate and distribution base. Indirect costs are those
incurred by the grantee for a common or joint purpose that benefit more than one cost objective or project
and are not readily assignable to specific cost objectives or projects as a direct cost. Indirect costs must be
based on a rate approved by the applicant's cognizant federal agency, or the 10% de-minimus rate
authorized by 2 CFR§200.414(f).Additional indirect cost guidance is available in Indirect Cost Guidance
for Recipients of EPA Assistance Agreements and in Section VI.u,"IDC Competition Clause,"of the EPA
Solicitation Clauses.
Notwithstanding this, indirect costs have been capped as described below based on a deviation approved
per 2 CFR 200.414:
Limitation on indirect costs for grants and cooperative agreements
a. In general: Except as otherwise provided by statute,indirect costs charged against any grant and/
or cooperative agreement awarded under this NOFO shall not exceed 20 percent of the total amount
of the federal award.
b. Exception: Subsections(a)and(c)shall not apply to Indian Tribes as defined in section 302(r)of
the Clean Air Act who serve in the role of direct recipient and/or subrecipient under the program
or to Intertribal consortia that meet the requirements of 40 CFR 35.504(a) and (c) even if the
Intertribal consortia is eligible for funding as a Community Based Nonprofit Organization.
c. Treatment of subawards: In the case of a grant and / or cooperative agreement described in
subsection(a),the limitation on indirect costs specified in such subsection shall be applied to both
the initial direct assistance award amount and any subaward of the federal funds provided under
the initial assistance award so that the total of all indirect costs charged to each of the federal awards
(i.e., both the initial direct assistance award amount and any subawards) funded under the initial
assistance award does not exceed such limitation.As provided in 2 CFR 200.332(a)(2)pass-through
4 ^^,. s ,� r t s�.x '., + r " k :gam- "". m 'M^ 3-m gws+'" +•`i
..�?7�. .'".
rlos
entities are responsible for ensuring compliance with the indirect cost limitation by their
subrecipients.
Note:This limit does not extend to indirect costs on procurement contracts.
Appendix H. Alaska Tribal Lands Target Investment Area
(back to the Table of Contents)
As noted in Section II.B, this NOFO includes a Target Investment Area for projects benefitting Alaska
Tribal lands that are defined as disadvantaged communities in Appendix A.Under this Target Investment
Area, EPA is accepting applications that include projects focusing on the clean-up of contaminated lands
conveyed through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act(ANCSA).
Applications submitted by eligible applicants including Alaska Native Villages (ANVs), Alaska Native
Nonprofit Organizations, and Alaska Native Nonprofit Associations for the Alaskan Target Investment
Area must include,like all other Track I applications,at least one Climate Action Strategy and at least one
Pollution Reduction Strategy and meet the other Track I application requirements in Section l.G of the
NOFO,to be eligible for funding.Applicants are not limited to a single project activity under a strategy and
may select several project activities associated with a strategy. Note that the for-profit Alaska Native
Corporations are not eligible to be Lead Applicants or Statutory Partners for this NOFO. The Climate
Action and Pollution Reduction Strategies addressed in applications for the Alaskan Target Investment
Area can address either the Climate Action and Pollution Reduction Strategies (and project activities
referenced in Appendices C and D) in Section LG. or any specific Alaskan ones described below under
paragraphs 1 and 3. EPA strongly encourages applications that include Pollution Reduction strategy
projects to clean up contaminated lands such as those conveyed through ANCSA as addressed in Section I
below.
1. ANCSA-Specific Pollution Reduction Strategy and Associated Proiect Activities
This section describes project activities specific to the assessment and cleanup of sites covered by the
Contaminated ANCSA Lands Assistance Program. The specific requirements that apply to ANCSA
cleanup projects are below.
ANCSA was enacted in 1971 to settle aboriginal claims to public lands through the conveyance of 46
million acres of land to Alaska Native regional and village corporations and the transfer of one billion
dollars from the state and federal governments as compensation for lands which could not be returned to
Alaska Native ownership. Many of the lands promised and conveyed to corporations pursuant to the
settlement in ANCSA were contaminated. The contaminants on some of these lands—which include
arsenic, asbestos, lead, mercury, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and petroleum products—pose
health and other concerns to Indigenous Alaskans and communities and are present in quantities above state
and federal clean-up levels,negatively impacting subsistence resources and hampering cultural,social,and
economic activities.
In 2023, EPA initiated a new Contaminated ANCSA Lands Assistance Program (ANCSA Program) to
assist with addressing contamination on lands conveyed pursuant to ANCSA and provide funding to(1)
characterize,assess,and conduct planning and community involvement activities related to these lands and
(2)to carry out cleanup activities at ANCSA sites contaminated at the time of conveyance.The statutory
authority for the ANCSA Program(Public Law 117-328)states that recipients of grants awarded under the
ANCSA Program may use the funding to ". . . supplement other funds provided by the Environmental
Protection Agency through individual media or multi-media grants or cooperative agreements."
Eligible ANSCA project activities:
• Conducting Planning and Developing Site Plans:
o Planning and site plan development for individual contaminated sites.
o Where multiple sites are connected through location, infrastructure. or economic. social,
and environmental conditions, planning and site plan development can take an area-wide
approach for multiple sites. Applicants must demonstrate how work conducted at several
sites will benefit the primary site selected for investment. Project Area requirements are
outlined in I.D of the NOFO but may be waived for purposes of coordinated cleanup.
• Conducting Site Assessments and Related Activities:
o Conducting site assessment and sampling activities
o Developing a Health and Safety Plan, Quality Assurance Project Plan and / or
Sampling Plan prior to conducting any environmental sampling and analysis (a
requirement for any projects conducting sampling).
o Submitting samples for analysis to an EPA accredited laboratory. Analytical
costs from evaluating site samples.
o Developing a report of the sample results and conclusions based on analysis (i.e.,
Conceptual Site Model, Assessment report, Site Inspection or Sampling Summary
Report).
o Supporting planning for future cleanup activities such as analysis of cleanup alternatives.
• Conducting Initial Cleanup Activities:
o Developing a site cleanup approach and documenting the approach in a Site Cleanup Plan
to include agreed upon cleanup endpoints, aligned with Alaska Department of
Environmental Conservation(ADEC)cleanup process.
o If necessary. procuring contract services to conduct cleanup activities such as
contaminated material removal,sampling,or health and safety monitoring.
o Conducting environmental confirmation sampling post-cleanup activities to determine if
further action is required. If necessary.planning for next phase of site cleanup.
o Developing a report documenting removal and/or cleanup activities.
• Conducting Community Engagement Activities:
o As noted in Section I of the NOFO, all applicants are required to develop a Community
Engagement Plan. Effective community engagement is vital to working effectively with
Alaska Native communities. Therefore, for ANCSA-related cleanup projects,Community
Engagement Plans should include community engagement activities and/or development
of culturally sensitive protocols for project implementation of cleanup activities.
o Costs of conducting community engagement activities, including training for workforce
development, youth engagement, elder engagement in documentation of Traditional
Knowledge, and other costs associated with meaningfully engaging the community in the
project can be included in the proposal budget.
• Compiling Information to Use to Comply with NEPA
o The projects funded under this NOFO do not require Environmental Information
Documents (EID) because EPA awards under this NOFO are not subject to the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), under Section 7(c) of the Energy Supply and
Environmental Coordination Act of 1974(15 U.S.C. 793(c)(1)). However,applicants may
seek funding to prepare EIDs as needed to comply with NEPA in connection with other
federal grant-funded projects in Alaska. EPA awards under the ANCSA program, for
example, are subject to NEPA.as are programs funded by other federal agencies.
Additional Eligibility Requirements for ANCSA-related projects and activities:
Applicants proposing ANCSA-related cleanup projects must provide the following documentation of
eligibility in their application. Failure to do so may render the application ineligible for funding.
Specifically,applicants must provide the following site-specific information for where the cleanup activities
will be performed,demonstrating that the site:
• was conveyed pursuant to ANCSA;
• was contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants,contaminants, or petroleum at the time of
conveyance;and
• is listed on the interim EPA inventory of Contaminated ANCSA Lands (for more information on
EPA's interim inventory and program related to cleaning up contaminated lands conveyed pursuant
to ANCSA,visit EPA Region lU's website).
• If the applicant is not the owner of the contaminated site(s)to be addressed,EPA will require proof
that the landowner will provide access to the site and supports taking action to address
contamination.
2. General Alaskan Pollution Reduction Strategies
In addition to the ANCSA land contamination projects identified above, applicants for the Alaskan Tribal
Lands Target Investment Area may include Pollution Reduction Strategies as identified in Section E.G of
the NOFO.
3. Alaska-Specific Climate Action Strategies
Below are examples of additional Alaska-specific Climate Action Strategies and project activities that may
be included in applications for the Alaskan Tribal Lands Target Investment Area,which are in addition to
the Climate Action Strategies described in Section I.G of the NOFO.
• Community energy resilience,which may include activities such as:
o Multi-energy systems including renewable (solar, wind, etc.) and traditional (bulk fuel)
sources to increase resilience during extreme events and support a clean energy transition.
o Power system projects, including renewable energy projects, and the construction, repair,
and maintenance of fuel storage facilities in rural areas.
• Improving human health and climate resilience, which may include activities such as:
o Construction of greenhouses that enable sustainable food growth that can promote healthy
foods,food accessibility,and food availability.
o Food storage facilities to enable sustainable access to traditional foods to support places
where permafrost degradation is destroying traditional ice cellars. New food storage
facilities may be constructed to support the access and availability of traditional foods.
Selection of this project component must include a permafrost mitigation strategy.
o Projects to support new and improved access points to traditional food resources, such as
construction of new fishing docks or river/lake boat ramps to allow for improved fishing
opportunities in places that have a high reliance on traditional foods,where climate change
has degraded access and availability of food sources.
• Permafrost degradation management strategies that may include strategies such as:
o Source water protection (impacts from landfills, thawing of permafrost, and potential
impacts to traditional drinking water sources as well as established drinking water
systems).
o Portable micro-water treatment systems applicable to those impacted by emergencies
which impact drinking water systems, with the ability to treat water until system repairs
are complete or new systems built.
o Manage and monitor contamination impacting land,food,and water backhaul/removal of
waste materials not suitable for disposition in permitted landfills in Alaska.
• Climate emergency management and response strategies that may include activities such as:
o Purchase of emergency response cargo containers with materials ready to deploy,including
four-wheeler, snowmachine, communications, temporary office location, boat, oil spill
response materials,smoke management equipment,etc.
o Development of emergency alert and warning systems for wildfires, flooding and other
emergencies stemming from climate change.
• Nature-based resilience strategies that may include activities such as:
o Restoration of natural systems to help protect coastal communities from the impacts of
storms,floods,and other natural hazards.
o Storm damage prevention and reduction, coastal erosion, and ice and glacial damage
stemming from climate change.
7
EXHIBIT B
(CoPA EPA Community Change Grant Overview)
Digital Workforce Academy
Experience and Commitment Narrative
Overview
Digital Workforce Academy (DWA) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3). The purpose is to help
disadvantaged adults,young men, and women get the necessary soft skills and vocational skills
that lead to a pathway to a career and become self-sufficient and created in 2001. As an
accredited National Center for Construction Education and Research(NCCER)provider, DWA
offers basic construction training and a pathway to exciting careers in the lucrative energy
industry in southeast Texas. As an accredited training partner of NCCER, DWA has launched
campuses in Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange, Texas.
A critical economic and social divide exists in the Southeast Texas community. People with
lower incomes, less education, and a highly disproportionate number of minority individuals are
missing opportunities in education and training. Because of this,their working performance,
social interaction, and employment opportunities are limited.
The objective of DWA's EPA Community Change Grant is a multi-year effort designed to
impact Port Arthur and its disadvantaged community. This grant request aims to train residents
in the immediate area. We are confident that our program will take the unemployed and
underemployed onto a meaningful career in the energy construction trade.
This initiative takes advantage of the employment potential of this population in the strategic
energy industry,which comprises vital employers/industry groups. There is interest among the
Petrochemical industries and their service contractors for a project like ours that helps fill open
jobs and gives local citizens gainfully employed. Planned Petroleum and chemical plant
expansions and maintenance projects will provide direct employment opportunities for the
individuals affected by the proposed project.
Through the NCCER program, DWA aims to develop a safe and productive workforce creating a
standardized training and credentialing program for the industry. This progressive program has
evolved into curricula and a complete series of assessments offering NCCER-accredited training
and assessment.
DWA utilizes NCCER's standardized construction and
maintenance curriculum and assessments with portable credentials. These credentials are tracked
through NCCER's Registry System that allows organizations and companies to track the
qualifications of their craft professionals and/or check the qualifications of possible new
hires. NCCER's Registry System also assists craft professionals by maintaining their records in a
secure database.
NCCER's workforce development process of accreditation, instructor certification, standardized
curriculum, registry, assessment, and certification is a key component in the industry's workforce
development efforts.
DWA will utilize teams of Subject Matter Experts from contractors and schools to ensure the
training curricula meet or exceed industry standards.NCCER curricula meet the Department of
Labor's office in apprenticeship requirements for time-based training and are modular in format,
allowing for flexibility and custom task training.
Employer Leadership and Commitments
1. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
2. On the Job Training
3. Skills development
Dept. of Labor Apprenticeships
1. Pre-Apprenticeship
2. Registered Apprenticeship Program
Community-Based Organizations
1. Ministerial alliance
2. Civic/ Social organization
3. Communities in school
Criminal Justice Agencies
1. County Jail
2. TDCJ probation office
3. Federal prison probation
Educational Institutions:
High schools
1.Port Arthur ISD
Vocational colleges
1. Lamar State College Port Arthur
Engineering,procurement, and construction(EPC) - Contractors (service area Southeast Texas/
Southwest Louisiana
Bechtel
ZachryGroup
McDermott
Maintenance Contractors (service area southeast Texas/ Southwest Louisiana)
Team Inc.
Echo Maintenance
Bay LTD.
Gulfspan
Beaumont Electrical JATC
Zachry JVIC
Richard Construction International
Admiral
Mason Construction
Triple S
Other Stakeholders and Partnerships
Port Arthur Industrial Group (PAIG) will complete the following tasks and activities to ensure
the success of the Project:
1. Invite Construction and Service Contractors to a series of informational meetings at the Digital
Workforce Port Arthur location to explain the program and opportunities to recruit Participants.
2. Comprehensive community outreach in churches, schools, neighborhood associations, civic
organizations, and community stakeholders to recruit Participants to take the necessary steps to
enroll in relevant classroom training provided by Digital Workforce.
3. Encourage participating companies to coordinate with Digital Workforce to design and update
the curriculum for the classroom training and the on-the-job training opportunities that include
duties, responsibilities, and performance criteria that would qualify Participants to move into a
specific craft job upon completion of the training program.
4. For 2021,provide up to $20,000 to Digital Workforce for up to 20 Participants ($1,000 per
individual) in the classroom NCCER training. Upon acceptance into the classroom training
program, PAIG will provide $500.00 per trainee and then offer$500.00 per trainee upon
completing the classroom training program.
Digital Workforce Academy's additional partners include Michael and Susan Dell Foundation,
Lamar Institute of Technology, Port Arthur I.S.D., West Orange Consolidated ISD, Southeast
Texas Workforce Solutions, Texas Workforce Commission, Jefferson County Correctional
Facility, OneStar Foundation, Rebuild Texas, and USW Local13-243. Affiliations include
Beaumont Chamber, Port Arthur Chamber, and Golden Triangle Business Roundtable.
Impacts of the Regional Workforce Training System
With the Southeast Texas Region unemployment rate at 6.9%, Per Capita Income of$25,000
and high school dropout rate at 12%. EPA investment in Digital Workforce Training Solution
will allow Port Arthur residents unfit to work for industry an opportunity to increase in their
earning potential by developing and refining their capabilities and skills. Usually, these
individuals can expect their wages to grow, but at a smaller percentage than the productivity
gains by employers.
Working in gobd jobs is critical to successful reentry into the community after incarceration.
Employment can make all the difference in the lives of people who have been incarcerated,
especially if the job pays fair wages and benefits to support the family and provides structured
career advancement opportunities.
The Southeast Texas Region will receive many benefits from having the Digital Workforce
Industrial Training Program. For one,the employment of individuals with a criminal record, the
unemployed, and underemployment will improve the local economy by creating new job
opportunities, improving the quality of life, and tax-paying citizens.
The following are the economic impacts the Workforce Industrial Training Program will fit with
EDA funding priorities:
1. Create local jobs
2. Commercialize technology
3. Diversify local economies
5. Build/accelerate local industry growth
6. Generate revenue
7. Identify potential spin-ins or spin-outs
8. Revitalize distressed neighborhood
9. Move people from welfare to work
We have also identified five principles that we believe should be the foundation of our workforce
development programs for fenders, participants, and employers.
Define geographic assets and identift target professions. The most promising approach will be
to work with the city of Port Arthur public works department with plans to replace lift stations
and contribute to reducing the carbon footprint. Our analysis will be done at the city manager
and water utility department levels.
EXHIBIT C
(EPA Sewer Rehab—Budget)
EPA Grant for Sewer Rehabilitation and Cost
Project Description Total Est. Cost (Engg +
Construction)
46TH Street Force Main Replacement Project $ 6,819,552.00
El Vista Force Main Replacement Project Phase II $ 1,885,855.00
36th Street to 34th Street around 3rd Ave LS $ 1,051,031.00
South of Highway 73 &9th Ave $ 7,236,720.00
Citywide Sanitary Sewer Rehab Contract 2 (Vicksburg Ave) $ 1,382,312.00
Project&Grant Management $ 933,041.70
Contingency _ $ 279,295.30
CB0 Fees $ 412,19'.00
Total Cost $ 20,000,000.00
EXHIBIT D
(EPA Lift Station Improvements - Budget)
EPA Grant for Lift Station Improvements and Cost
SIN Project Description Capicity(gpm_ Scope Estimated Cost Engineering cost Total Cost
New station site,New well structure,submersible
1 Lewis Drive Lift Station 2000
pumps,sewer pipe relocation,SCADA,generator
$ 1,551,914.50 $ 232,787.18 $ 1,785,000.00
2 3rd Ave Lift Station 2000 New station site,New well structure,submersible
pumps,sewer pipe relocation,SCADA,generator
$ 1,451,914.50 $ 217,787.18 $ 1,670,000.00
New well structure,submersible pumps,sewer pipe
3 Sabine Pass Lift Station#7 750 relocation,elevated electrical structure with MCC,
Controls,SCADA,generator $ 1,058,316.00 $ 158,747.40 $ 1,217,000.00
Convert existing dry pit and wet well structure to wet
4 62nd Street Lift Station 650 well,demolish existing building,submersible pumps,
overhead crane,force main rehabilitation,sewer pipe
relocation,electrical system,SCADA,generator
$ 1,000,000.00 $ 150,000.00 $ 1,150,000.00
Procurement of new site,New submersible pump
5 Peek Avenue Lift Station 400
station,sewer pipe relocation,SCADA,generator
$ 1,000,000.00 $ 150,000.00 $ 1,150,000.00
Well coating,immersible pumps,electrical,piping,
8 Lake Charles Dr.Lift Station 6550 SCADA,generator,demolition of old abandoned station
onsite $ 1,900,000.00 $ 285,000.00 $ 2,185,000.00
9 19th&Stilwell Lift Station 3000 Well coating,immersible pumps,piping,valves,
electrical,SCADA,generator $ 1,650,000.00 $ 247,500.00 $ 1,898,000.00
10 Railroad&Thomas Lift Station 1300 New well structure,electrical,immersible pumps,
SCADA,generator $ 1,200,000.00 $ 180,000.00 $ 1,380,000.00
Well structure for new lift station,overhead crane,
Lakeshore&Houston Ave Lift
11 Station 2710 sewer pipe relocation,electrical controls,SCADA,
generator,site work. $ 1,000,000.00 $ 150,000.00 $ 1,150,000.00
12 Grannis Avenue Lift Station 400 New well structure,electrical,immersible pumps,
SCADA,generator $ 991,868.00 $ 148,780.20 $ 1,141,000.00
14 Vista Village Lift Station 400 New well structure,electrical,immersible pumps,
SCADA,generator $ 850,000.00 $ 127,500.00 $ 978,000.00
15 46th Street Lift Station 4200 Well coating,new vertical centrifugal pumps,and
associated discharge header piping $ 744,000.00 $ 111,600.00 $ 856,000.00
Replace or reconstruct well structure;corrosion
resistant coating on well;new electrical controls, new
16 39th St.Lift Station 300
pumps,piping and,valves;SCADA;mobile generator
connection $ 550,000.00 $ 82,500.00 $ 633,000.00
17 Smith Young Lift Station 350 New well structure,electrical,immersible pumps,
SCADA,generator $ 750,000.00 $ 112,500.00 $ 863,000.00
18 Operation Lift Station 350 New well structure,electrical,immersible pumps,
SCADA,generator $ 550,000.00 $ 82,500.00 $ 633,000.00
Total Estimated Project Cost $ 16,248,013.00 $ 2,437,201.95 $ 18,689,000.00
19 Project&Grant Management 4%of project cost professional services elaborated in budget narrative
$ 700,000.00 $ 163,353.25 $ 863,353.25
20 Contingency Each for unforseen costs and change orders $ 35,453.75 $ $ 35,453.75
21 CBO Fees Each professional services elaborated in budget narrative $ 412,193.00 $ - $ 412,193.00
Total Estimated Application Cost $ 20,000,000.00